MSS Steel Tubes USA plans to open its first U.S. plant in Memphis, the Greater Memphis Chamber announced Wednesday.

The manufacturer, part of a Portuguese-owned company, is looking to hire 129 employees who will be offered an average wage and benefits of $47,000 annually. The company plans to invest about $6 million in the plant at 4129R Outland Road.

The company uses an induction welding process to turn flat steel into tubing, including as support structures for solar panels. Much of the company's U.S. customer base is in the solar panel industry.

Margarida Caetano, chief financial officer of Metalogalva, the parent company of MSS Steel Tubes, said the company was "thrilled to open this new plant in Memphis."

New jobs in Memphis:Arvato Supply Chain Solutions brings 250 jobs to Memphis. Here are 3 things to know.

Business news:FedEx plans to cut more than $3 billion in costs for 2023. Here's how.

“Our business is heavily reliant on quick, affordable, and reliable transportation, and no city fit our needs better than Memphis. This region is a destination of choice for manufacturers, and we’re excited to become part of the fabric of this community," Caetano said.

Greater Memphis Chamber President Ted Townsend thanked the company for its investment in the Mid-South.

"The Greater Memphis region continues to be a juggernaut of steel production, and we expect more manufacturing projects to choose Memphis as we build up our innovation economy and establish the Digital Delta as a global hub of inclusive jobs and advanced industries," he said.

Corinne S Kennedy covers economic development, real estate and healthcare for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached via email at Corinne.Kennedy@CommercialAppeal.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: MSS Steel Tubes USA to open first US plant in Memphis