Specialty chemicals firm Albemarle Corp. revealed plans this week for a $540 million project to expand and modernize two bromine plants in Magnolia, AR in response to an uptick in demand for fire safety solutions and specialty products used in green energy, transportation, safety, and other industries.

“We have a long, rich history of operation in Columbia County with a strong commitment to both the community and the economy of the region,” Netha Johnson, president, Bromine for Albemarle, said in a company release. “The facility investments, along with the jobs and economic stability they bring, reaffirm our dedication to the area and to meeting our customers’ needs as we work together to build the technologies of the future for a safer, greener world.”

The project will increase the headcount of both facilities by 15%. Albemarle is investing in leadership and technical training at the Magnolia locations with support provided by the Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD).

“I am excited about the investment that Albemarle is bringing to south Arkansas,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson in a statement. “They have been a strong business partner in Magnolia for decades, and they also have a history of giving back to the community by working to provide environmentally friendly solutions for the area’s wildlife and supporting educational opportunities for students. The jobs created through this expansion are good, high paying jobs that will positively impact the families of these new employees.”

Work on the plants is expected to wrap up in 2027. Albemarle’s Magnolia facilities currently produce bromine and derivatives products that have applications in poultry and beef processing, chemical synthesis, fire safety, paper manufacturing, and more.