- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Opelika Today
By the People, for the People
Opelika Approves $79M Manufacturing Facility, 200 Jobs Promised
Wisconsin-based Faith Technologies to open new plant in Northeast Industrial Park
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Opelika City Council has unanimously approved a $79 million manufacturing project that is expected to create at least 200 full-time jobs. The facility will be operated by Wisconsin-based electrical and technology company Faith Technologies and will be located in the city's Northeast Industrial Park.
Why it matters
This major investment and job creation is a significant economic boost for Opelika, helping to diversify the local economy beyond the city's traditional industries. The project also addresses concerns from some residents about the potential for the site to be used as a data center, which officials have clarified will not be the case.
The details
Faith Technologies, which specializes in prefabrication, electrical assemblies and engineering for infrastructure projects, will operate the new facility at the former Joann Fabrics Distribution Center. The company plans to hire as many local workers as possible, with the average salary expected to be around $65,000 per year. City incentives include job-performance-based incentives and tuition reimbursement for employee training at Southern Union.
- The Opelika City Council approved the project on February 25, 2026.
- Equipment for the new facility is already scheduled to arrive soon, necessitating the special-called meeting.
The players
Faith Technologies
A Wisconsin-based electrical, energy and technology systems company that will operate the new manufacturing facility in Opelika.
Eddie Smith
The mayor of Opelika, who expressed pride in welcoming Faith Technologies to the city.
John Sweatman
The Opelika economic development director, who clarified that the facility is not a data center and addressed resident concerns.
Matt Rehbein
The Faith Technologies real estate development manager, who reiterated that the company is not a data center and plans to hire local workers.
What they’re saying
“We are proud to welcome FTI to Opelika. This investment represents new jobs and new facilities as well as confidence in our people, our leadership and our business-friendly environment. FTI will be an important partner in our community and we look forward to growing together as they help support the future of modern infrastructure.”
— Eddie Smith, Mayor of Opelika (WTVM)
“Faith Technologies is not a data center. We've made that clear to all of our council members.”
— John Sweatman, Opelika Economic Development Director (WTVM)
“We're excited to be in Opelika. We're not a data center. We manufacture electrical assemblies and modular systems to support the power-management needs of our clients.”
— Matt Rehbein, Faith Technologies Real Estate Development Manager (WTVM)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This major manufacturing investment in Opelika represents a significant economic boost for the city, creating 200 new jobs with an average salary of $65,000. The project also addresses resident concerns about the site being used as a data center, which officials have clarified will not be the case.
