GADSDEN — Pencco, Inc., a U.S.-based manufacturer of water, wastewater, odor and corrosion control treatment solutions, officially opened its new manufacturing facility in Gadsden with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday.

Located at 3500 Michael Ann Avenue, the new facility represents a $20 million investment in the city and is expected to create 40 new jobs while expanding the company’s manufacturing capabilities and strengthening support for water infrastructure projects throughout the Southeast.

City officials joined company representatives and community leaders to celebrate the opening, which marks a significant economic development milestone for Gadsden.

“Every job that comes to the city of Gadsden is important,” Mayor Craig Ford said during the ceremony. “This is a corporate partner working to hire local contractors to get ready for this grand opening and then hiring local workers. I want to thank Pencco and all their partners for the positive impact this will have on Gadsden and the local community.”

Pencco President and Founder Ron Horne said the new facility demonstrates the company’s commitment to serving customers across Alabama and the Southeast.

“We value our long-standing relationships with customers throughout Alabama, and this new facility represents our continued commitment to serving and strengthening those partnerships,” Horne said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in Alabama and to work with Mayor Craig Ford to bring back highly skilled manufacturing jobs to the region.”

Gadsden City Council member Dixie Minatra also welcomed the investment, highlighting its significance for the city’s future growth.

“I’m excited about what Pencco will bring to District 6, and I’m also excited about the future as Gadsden continues to grow,” Minatra said.

The facility will produce specialty materials used by municipal and industrial customers for water and wastewater treatment, supporting safe and reliable water systems for communities and industries across the region.

In addition to creating manufacturing positions, the project is expected to generate transportation and engineering jobs while helping strengthen domestic supply chains tied to critical infrastructure.

Founded in 1984, Pencco has remained family-owned and operated, building its reputation on quality manufacturing, dependable service and long-term partnerships with water utilities and industrial customers.

Company officials said the Gadsden facility will increase regional production capacity and improve product availability for customers throughout the Southeast.

The opening of the facility adds another major industrial investment to Gadsden’s growing manufacturing sector and is expected to provide long-term economic benefits for the city and surrounding region.