CRESTVIEW – By 2025, Southwire Company LLC plans to invest $ 10 million in its recently acquired manufacturing facility next to Bob Sikes Airport, an expansion and modernization that is expected to create many more jobs.

Southwire, one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers, based in Carrollton, Georgia, purchased the facility formerly known as American Elite Molding in November.

The facility “is a leading US manufacturer of nylon hose clamps, amplifying (Southwire’s) strategic initiative to grow its Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions business,” according to company officials.

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Throughout this year, Southwire plans to spend $ 4 million focusing on purchasing additional equipment and tooling, and between 2022 and 2025 the remaining $ 6 million will be spent on more machines, new systems, safety programs and more, according to the company.

“The modernization investment will create 157 jobs in total, and we are looking to add 20 more this year,” Southwire spokeswoman Paige Bird said. “We currently have 132 employees at the Crestview plant. This is a recent acquisition, and we are currently performing a full salary analysis of the facility as a whole. Going forward, we plan to be an employer of choice in the community with competitive salaries. , great benefits offerings, opportunities for advancement and a great community partner. ”

“By investing in the latest company acquired from Southwire, our organization is showing its dedication to the growth of manufacturing in the United States, including the local Crestview community,” said Brandon Moss, president of Tools, Components & Assembled Solutions for Southwire , in a press release. “This massive modernization effort will continue Southwire’s strategy of sustaining a sustainable generation for the next 100 years and beyond.

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Okaloosa County District 1 Commissioner Paul Mixon, whose district includes Bob Sikes Airport, said it was exciting to see businesses like Southwire grow in northern Okaloosa County.

“The potential labor force is so big” in the region, he said.

Nathan Sparks, executive director of the nonprofit One Okaloosa Economic Development Council, could not be reached for comment on Southwire’s impact on the local economy.

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To apply for Southwire positions at Crestview, visit careers.southwire.com.