Groundbreaking ceremony with construction equipment. — Representatives from ITU AbsorbTech (ITU), Jefferson County Commission (JCC) and Jefferson Economic & Industrial Development Authority (JEIDA) broke ground on ITU AbsorbTech’s newest facility in McCalla this week. Left to Right: Craig Bald (ITU), George Leef (ITU), Andy Leef (ITU), Cathy Kebbekus (ITU), Gary Kebbekus (ITU), David Leef (ITU), Sheila Tyson (JCC), Jim Leef (ITU), Jimmie Stephens (JCC), Tommy Hudson (JEIDA), Mike Bolin (JCC), Othell Phillips (JEIDA), Jeff Traywick (JCC). (ITU AbsorbTech)

A major new industrial project is now underway in Jefferson County. ITU AbsorbTech, a family-owned industrial laundry and textile supplier, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, June 9, for its brand-new processing plant in McCalla.

The project represents a $24.5 million capital investment in the local economy.

ITU AbsorbTech brings first Alabama location to JeffMet McCalla

Located in Jefferson Metropolitan Park (JeffMet McCalla) just outside Birmingham, the upcoming 50,000-square-foot facility marks the Wisconsin-based company’s first processing plant in Alabama and its 16th location nationwide.

The plant will feature advanced laundering and recovery systems designed to process millions of pounds of reusable textiles and industrial oil absorbents annually. The facility will also target registration for the ISO 14001:2015 environmental management standard.

To achieve that standard, the new McCalla plant has to prioritize on sustainable, zero-hazardous-waste processing by:

Cutting down waste: The facility has to actively find ways to reduce garbage, recycle more and prevent pollution.
Saving energy: They are required to monitor and lower their water and electricity usage.
Constant monitoring: It is not a one-time award. To keep the certification, the plant will be regularly inspected to ensure they are meeting their environmental goals year after year.

New McCalla facility to create 40 high-wage manufacturing jobs

The new facility is expected to create approximately 40 jobs in the area. Positions will span several departments, including:

Production + processing
Maintenance
Route service + sales
Business development

Local economic development officials noted that these high-quality positions are projected to pay an average wage of nearly $30 an hour, higher the current county average.

Jefferson County leaders celebrate industrial growth in Birmingham area

The groundbreaking ceremony brought together representatives from the Jefferson Economic & Industrial Development Authority (JEIDA), the Jefferson County Commission, and the Birmingham Business Alliance.

Craig Bald, president and CEO of ITU AbsorbTech, highlighted the strategic importance of the location:

“We chose McCalla for its strong business climate, strategic regional location and high-quality workforce. Partnerships with local schools and workforce programs will be important as we grow our team and support manufacturing careers in the area.”

Construction on the JeffMet McCalla facility is scheduled to continue through next year, with completion expected by July 2027.

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