Carpenter Technology Corporation will build its new superalloy powder facility in Athens, Alabama, near its almost completed $518 million ultra-premium product manufacturing facility in Limestone County. The firm’s Athens facilities are expected to employ 250 people by 2017.

The manufacturer plans to supply Pratt & Whitney with superalloy powder for use in aircraft engines by late 2015. “The capital cost of this project falls within the annual $120 million capital spend guidelines that were previously outlined for the period following the completion of the main Athens plant,” said Tony Thene, Carpenter’s Chief Financial Officer.

“Alabama is proving to be an excellent region for us,” said William A. Wulfsohn, Carpenter’s President and CEO. “There were several reasons why we selected Athens two years ago, including the location being ideal for future growth and expansion. We also remain extremely impressed with our access to a strong pool of skilled workers.”