Sierra Pacific Windows, a leading manufacturer of high-end windows and doors, has announced plans to establish a manufacturing campus in Phenix City, marking one of the largest manufacturing developments in Phenix City’s history.
“I want to welcome Sierra Pacific Windows to Phenix City,” said Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe. “This project is a major deal for our region, and we’re very grateful for the confidence that they have placed in our community and in its leadership. We wish them generations of success.”
This strategic expansion aims to meet the increasing nationwide demand for their wood and vinyl products and solidify their position as a top provider in the industry. The new facility, encompassing 610,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehousing space, will be situated on 120 acres.
“This expansion of our windows manufacturing capacity is a reflection of our confidence that customers value the distinctive product quality and service associated with Sierra Pacific Windows,” said Sierra Pacific Industries CEO Mark Emmerson. “Our unique seed-to-window approach starts by planting trees that take at least 50 years to mature. We always take a long-term, sustainable view to business. We also pride ourselves on being a place our employees feel valued for their contributions and stay for long careers.”
Sierra Pacific Windows’ decision to invest in Phenix City underscores the city’s appeal as a prime location for businesses seeking growth opportunities. The expansive manufacturing campus will allow the company to significantly increase its production capacity, ensuring a more efficient response to the soaring customer demand that has multiplied ten-fold over the past decade.
“The attractiveness of Alabama as the right location for our company to advance is undeniable,” said Sierra Pacific Windows President Tom Takach. “We wanted a location that gives us the room to grow and expand. With our significant and rapidly growing demand for our windows and doors – locating in Phenix City is an obvious choice – from easy access to transportation corridors to the skilled labor forces in the greater Russell County area.”
Sierra Pacific Windows is a division of family-owned forest products company Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI). The 610,000 square foot building is just the beginning of the company’s investment in Phenix City.
New equipment is already on order and fast-tracked to outfit the green field build of Sierra Pacific’s most high-tech window and door plant to-date. Combined with the company’s existing locations in California and Wisconsin, the addition of the new facilities brings Sierra Pacific to a milestone of over two-million combined square feet of manufacturing space for its Window division.
The types of jobs the company plans to create include technicians, managers, engineers, machine operators, and maintenance, among others. When fully operational, the need for employees will reach into the hundreds for job opportunities.
The company credits local municipal and elected officials as being instrumental in drawing their attention to the area. The Phenix City region and the State of Alabama were a supportive force that furthered the confidence of Sierra Pacific Windows for putting down roots in this region for their eastern U.S. windows manufacturing operations.
“Sierra Pacific Windows is top-notch company,” said Phenix City Manager Wallace Hunter. “We’re excited about the positive impacts that they will have on our community. We’ve enjoyed working with them and look forward to helping them meet their present and future goals.”
While the renovation of the facility to meet Sierra Pacific’s needs will take a couple of years to complete, the company will introduce one of the highest paying entry level jobs in the area, said Phenix City’s Economic Development Manager Shaun Culligan.
“The company is a dream. They take care of their employees. They’re not just in the community; they’re part of the community,” he added.
They credit Carson Cummings who brokered the deal between the developer and the buyer.
Even before they bring manufacturing jobs, Sierra Pacific will bring construction jobs for the renovations of the facility.
“Sierra Pacific will be a vibrant addition to Alabama’s business community, and its investment plans in Phenix City will have a massive economic impact on the entire region,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “It’s great news that this family-owned company is putting down roots in Russell County, and I look forward to seeing it grow and thrive there for many years to come.”
“I am excited to welcome Sierra Pacific to East Alabama,” said Congressman Mike Rogers. “This move represents a significant investment in our region, and I am excited to see what they accomplish.”