A Birmingham software development company is moving to a new headquarters in the Magic City and expanding to a workforce of 50 over the next three years.

Stella Source, which inhabits the tech space in the metal distribution and fabrication industry, will relocate from Birmingham’s Innovation Depot to the nearby Nextec Building in the city’s innovation district, The Switch.

Stella Source selected Birmingham for the expansion project over Cincinnati, where its other corporate office is located. The company plans to expand its software, research, design, finance, and sales staff.

“We are incredibly proud to build Stella Source here in Alabama and are excited to make Birmingham our official headquarters,” company president Sean Hughes said. “The collision of the metals and technology industries unique to this area create the acceleration, commitment, and like-minded company that we need to succeed.”

Stella Source will join Tquila Automation in the Nextec Building, the former Edwards Motor Co. building at 1531 Third Ave. N.

Stella Source unites buyers and sellers of materials and services for estimates and sourcing, supplies instant materials pricing, and calculators to automate the quoting of fabrication services.

Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said Stella Source “represents the kind of innovative technology company that we want to grow and thrive in Alabama.”

“Stella Source and other companies are finding all the ingredients they need for success in Birmingham’s emerging tech ecosystem, which is growing more dynamic by the day,” he said.

The Birmingham Business Alliance estimates the economic impact of Stella Source’s growth plans at $8.5 million over 20 years. The City of Birmingham, the Jefferson County Commission, Alabama Power and AIDT will provide services to Stella Source.