OPP, Ala. (WDNews) — Aquatic Leisure Technologies Group (ALT), one of Australia’s largest fiberglass swimming pool manufacturers, is establishing its first U.S. production facility in Covington County.
The company announced plans for a 56,000-square-foot facility on a 22-acre site in Opp, where it will manufacture its Aqua Technics Pools line. ALT said production is expected to begin early next year after a two-year U.S. site search. A domestic manufacturing team will be hired and trained before operations begin.
Gov. Kay Ivey said ALT’s move highlights Alabama’s competitiveness in advanced manufacturing.
“This underscores the strength of our state’s pro-business climate, our talented workforce and our commitment to fostering world-class manufacturing,” Ivey said in a statement.
ALT President Lynley Papineau said the company’s expansion into Alabama is a strategic step for its rapidly growing U.S. market.
“Establishing a manufacturing presence in the United States is a natural progression for our business,” Papineau said.
The company first entered the U.S. market in 2018, shipping products directly from Australia. By producing pools in Alabama, ALT said it will reduce delivery times and streamline service across its expanding American network.
Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the project strengthens the state’s position in global manufacturing while supporting long-term growth initiatives.
Papineau thanked the Alabama Department of Commerce, AIDT, the City of Opp, and the Covington County Economic Development Commission for their collaboration on the project.
