Chemicals and explosives company announces that it will expand in Alabama

May 1, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL - Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced that Nelson Brothers LLC, a global provider of specialty chemical products and commercial explosives, has made the decision to expand in Walker County.

Nelson Brothers LLC is a joint venture between Nelson Brothers Inc. and Orica USA Inc. Nelson made the decision to grow its business in Walker County versus moving to large metropolitan areas in Texas and the Eastern United States.

"Nelson Brothers is a proud Alabama company with a long track record of innovation, growth and global success - and we're thrilled they've chosen to expand right here at home," Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said in a statement. "The company's growth project represents not only a significant investment in Walker County but a powerful vote of confidence in the state's skilled workforce, supportive communities and business-friendly environment."

Nelson Brothers will invest $19.4 million investment in facilities and equipment in both its Parrish and Samoset locations in Walker County. The expansion will allow the company to accelerate its growth into new markets including automotive dispersants, metalworking fluids, oil and gas services and water science. The project will create five new full-time positions.

Alabama Economic Developer Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth told the Alabama Gazette: "The Nelson Brothers joint venture chemical plant expansion will create new jobs and attract investment to rural Walker County, a boost for the local economy. It is encouraging to know the company will build a state-of-the-art technical center for chemistry in rural Alabama and plans to expand in a community in which it has already established deep roots. The growth supports Alabama's dominant chemicals and advanced materials industry, which plays a key role in our state's industrial strength and global competitiveness."

The company also announces plans to establish a world-class technical center for chemistry in Parrish and increase reactor capacity to meet rising global demand.

"I've been around Nelson Brothers for as long as I can remember," said CEO Tony Nelson. "Some of my earliest memories are walking through the plant with my father, listening to the hum of the equipment and watching the people who helped shape this company into what it is today," he said. "This business is part of who I am - it's family, it's home and it's legacy. That's why it means so much to see us investing back into the community that's supported us for nearly 70 years. We're not just growing - we're building something that honors the past while reaching boldly into the future. I'm proud of our team, proud of where we've come from, and even more excited about where we're headed."

Dave Pristic is the Vice President of Specialty Chemicals.

"Our $20 million investment in Walker County is a clear sign of our intent - to grow, to innovate and to lead. We've been focused on expanding our capabilities across engineering, operations, and sales, especially in our specialty chemicals division," Pristic said. "With the support of an exceptional team and a forward-thinking leadership group, I'm confident we're laying the groundwork for long-term success and meaningful impact."

Walker County officials praised the decision by Nelson Brothers to expand in their home county.

David Knight is the Executive Director of the Walker County Development Authority.

"Nelson Brothers has been a major employer and has had a tremendous impact on the Walker County economy for almost 70 years," said Knight. "Their ability to innovate and adapt to market changes has established Nelson Brothers as a global leader in the specialty chemicals sector. We are proud that Nelson Brothers calls Walker County home."

Steve Miller is the Chairman of the Walker County Commission.

"We greatly appreciate the history Nelson Brothers has in Walker County and are thrilled at their decision to continue to invest in our community," Miller said.

"As a state representative, I am thankful to Nelson Brothers for their longstanding commitment to Walker County and for choosing to invest $19.4 million in our community," State Rep. Matt Woods said. "Their decision reinforces our local economy and the importance of homegrown success."