New Pell City plant, investment celebrated with open house
When Rulmeca Holdings, a global supplier of idlers and pulleys for belt conveyor systems acquired Douglas Manufacturing in 2023, officials pledged new investment in the Pell City plant. Ten months later, they broke ground on a state-of-the-art 50,000 square foot idler plant at the site on Industrial Park Drive.
In June, officials cut the ribbon on the new facility, celebrating the $11.7 million investment in the expansion, creating 50 jobs in what is known as The Vulcan Project.
Founded in Alabama and headquartered in Pell City since 1991, Douglas Manufacturing has been a trusted name in the bulk material handling industry for decades. In 2023, the acquisition brought together two respected brands with shared values, complementary expertise and a united vision for the future.
Project Vulcan represents the most ambitious expansion in the company’s history. This new facility significantly increases Douglas Rulmeca’s production capabilities, particularly in the manufacturing of conveyor idlers and related components. The investment in advanced automation and production systems not only enhances quality and efficiency but also creates new jobs and growth opportunities in St. Clair County and throughout the region.
“The ribbon cutting is more than the opening of a new building, it’s a celebration of where we’ve been, what we’ve built and where we’re going,” said Paul Ross, president and CEO of Douglas Rulmeca. “Project Vulcan strengthens our position in the global market while deepening our roots right here in Pell City. We’re proud to invest in American manufacturing and to do so in a way that brings lasting benefits to our employees, our customers and our community.”
The presence of Marco Ghisalberti, president of the Rulmeca Group, and Fabio Ghisalberti, vice president of Rulmeca Group, underscored the strength of the collaboration between Douglas and Rulmeca and the shared belief in the future of this facility and its people. Their leadership and vision made Project Vulcan a reality.
The new facility symbolizes the power of teamwork with contributions from their global partners in Italy, Canada and Wilmington, N.C.
Officials say they are continuing to invest in technology, talent and customer service as the company supports industries ranging from mining and aggregates to recycling and logistics. With the launch of Project Vulcan, the company is better equipped than ever to deliver high-performance solutions to customers across the United States and around the world.
Special guests for the ceremony were City Manager Brian Muenger, Nick Hadley of Alabama Department of Commerce, St. Clair Commission Chairman Stan Batemon and Jason Roberts of St. Clair Economic Development Council, whose support, executives said, was instrumental in bringing Project Vulcan to life.
