NATCHEZ — Following on the heels of a similar announcement in May, Enersteel announced plans to expand operations and add jobs at its facility in the Natchez-Adams County Port.

The new expansion, announced Tuesday, will create 45 new jobs and represents a $10 million investment. The May expansion created 20 new jobs and represented an $11 million investment.

“They have gotten so busy down there that they have basically run out of manufacturing space,” Natchez Inc. Executive Director Chandler Russ said. “What they are doing is adding some additional manufacturing space and also some new machinery and equipment to complete their needed fabrication and floor assembly of tanks.”

The newest addition — for which construction has already started and is expected to be completed in October — will add 18,000 square feet to the factory’s fabrication space.

“This expansion will give Enersteel 25 percent more fabrication space, and we are on schedule to be complete by October 2013,” Enersteel Operations Manager Aaron Shermer said. “Enersteel is committed to the safety of our employees and our community, and we are proud to call Natchez home.”

Adams County Board of Supervisors President Darryl Grennell said the announcement shows that the partnership between Enersteel and Adams County is a strong one.

“Their commitment to our area shows that our best days continue to be ahead of us and proof that Adams County is an ideal place for business. We appreciate their continued faith and investment in our area,” Grennell said.

An Enerfab company, Enersteel specializes in steel plate-fabricated products, which includes storage tanks and vessels used in industrial process markets. The Natchez facility also makes duct work and air quality control components for the power generation industry.

The expansion has assistance from the Mississippi Development Authority, which Russ said supported the project by helping offset the cost of relocating equipment to Natchez.

“Mississippi’s economy is strengthening, and this latest expansion by Enersteel is a testament to that,” MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen said. “We appreciate the company for continuing to create job opportunities for the area’s residents, and we are honored to have assisted with this project. MDA thanks our partners at Natchez Inc., who worked to make this expansion possible.”

Natchez Inc. Executive Director Chandler Russ said Enersteel is a great company with great leadership and vision that he looked forward to helping continue to grow in the area.

“This latest Enersteel expansion is a strong testament to the Natchez Inc. partners — Adams County, City of Natchez and Natchez Now — and team including MDA, Cophiah-Lincoln Community College, Win Job Center and Entergy,” Russ said. “Enersteel’s continued investment and additional jobs is proof positive of the area’s ability to grow and nurture industry. Our most important thank you is to Enersteel and their employees for their continued work and confidence in the Natchez area.”

Gov. Phil Bryant said he appreciated Enerfab’s latest demonstration that the company believes Mississippi is a great place to do business.

“This latest expansion and the creation of these jobs will benefit the local community and the residents of southwest Mississippi,” Bryant said. “I thank Enersteel for being a great business partner to the state and wish the company continued success in Natchez.”

Hiring for the expansion will be done through the WIN Job Center and training will be done in conjunction with Co-Lin, Russ said.