Aquatic Leisure Technologies to build first U.S. manufacturing site in Opp, Alabama

Aquatic Leisure Technologies, an Australian fiberglass swimming-pool manufacturer, announced November 21 that it would build its first U.S. factory in Opp, Alabama, north of the Florida panhandle. The company did not disclose how much the factory would cost or how many people it would hire, but ALT said it would be a foothold for the company to expand further in North America.

The 56,000-square-foot factory will manufacturing ALT’s Aqua Technics brand pools, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. Production at the site is projected to begin early next year. ALT President Lynley Papineau, in a statement, thanked the State of Alabama, its Department of Commerce, the Alabama Industrial Training division, the City of Opp, and the Covington County Economic Development Commission.

The company has sold its pools in the U.S. since 2018 by supplying stateside distributors with pools shipped from its Australian factories, but Papineau said establishing a U.S. factory was a natural next step.

What people are saying

“We are thrilled to welcome Aquatic Leisure Technologies to Opp, Alabama,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. “Their decision to build here underscores the strength of our state’s pro-business climate, our talented workforce and our commitment to fostering world-class manufacturing. This facility will not only create quality jobs, but it will also help boost the local economy in Covington County. That’s what ‘Made in Alabama’ is all about — innovation, investment and opportunity for all.”

“Establishing a manufacturing presence in the United States is a natural progression for our business,” said ALT President Lynley Papineau. “After two years of searching for the right property and the right community to call home, Opp, Alabama provides the ideal location — offering a strong local workforce, supportive community and excellent infrastructure that will help to facilitate our long-term vision for growth.”

“This announcement reflects what is possible when local and state partners work together,” said Opp Mayor Chance McCurley. “We are excited to welcome Aquatic Leisure Technologies to Opp and look forward to the new opportunities and long-term growth this project will bring to our community.”

Investing in American manufacturing in 2025 

This map shows where manufacturers are choosing to invest their resources, whether they are building new production facilities or expanding existing plants.