Alabama-assembled ULA rocket powers first Amazon satellites into orbit
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket with deep Alabama roots lifted off from Cape Canaveral days ago on a milestone mission that sets the stage for ULA rockets to deploy satellites for an ambitious Amazon broad network. The Atlas V 501 rocket blasting off last Friday launched the Protoflight mission for Amazon’s Project Kuiper,…
South American airline JetSMART takes delivery of Alabama-built Airbus
MOBILE, Alabama — Airbus announced today that JetSMART, the South American ultra-low-cost carrier operating in Chile, Argentina and Peru, has taken delivery of its first A320neo produced at the aircraft manufacturer’s Alabama facility. The airline is the first South American carrier to take delivery of an aircraft produced at the Mobile site. “We proudly welcome…
Novelis building $2.5 billion Alabama aluminum mill in milestone project
A $2.5 billion aluminum mill being built by Atlanta-based Novelis in the South Alabama Mega Site in Baldwin County is the first facility of its kind to be constructed in the U.S. for 40 years. Novelis said the Alabama mill will leverage the company’s long-term relationships with leading beverage, packaging and automotive brands seeking sustainable…
Alabama’s auto industry prepares for electrifying next chapter
It’s clear the global auto industry views electric vehicles as the future, prompting automakers to craft strategic plans — powered by massive investments — to position themselves for a revolutionary shift that’s approaching at top speed. In Alabama, which has become a top auto-producing state over the past 25 years, the industry is making major…
Airbus growth project taking shape at Alabama manufacturing center
The throttles are going up on a major expansion project at Airbus’ U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile that will double production space at the aviation giant’s strategically important Alabama facility in a little over two years. Birmingham-based HPM, Airbus’ program manager for the expansion, says construction is advancing at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley site…
Hyundai Alabama plans major investment with new Santa Fe SUV on way
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hyundai announced plans today to invest $290 million in upgrades at its Montgomery assembly plant as the facility prepares to build the next-generation Santa Fe sport utility. Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) officials announced the automaker’s investment plans at a ceremony at the plant, where they were joined by Governor Kay Ivey,…
Alabama automakers step up support for career pathway programs
Alabama’s automakers are expanding their broad-based efforts to create new career pathways for Alabama students interested in developing the skills needed in high-tech workplaces. Last week, Toyota USA Foundation announced grants of up to $6.7 million to prepare Huntsville City Schools’ students for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The collaboration, part…
Auto parts maker Shinhwa plans $114 million Alabama expansion
AUBURN, Alabama — Shinhwa Auto USA Corp. plans to invest $114 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Auburn to support the production of electric vehicle parts, according to Governor Kay Ivey. The growth project will create 50 jobs and add a new 170,000-square-foot production building on Shinhwa’s campus in Auburn Technology Park West. The…
Commerce team wraps 2023 Paris Air Show mission eyeing future growth
PARIS — The Alabama Department of Commerce team wrapped up its mission to the 2023 Paris Air Show on Wednesday after gaining strategic insights into the dynamic trends reshaping the aerospace industry and uncovering potential new growth projects that could bring investment and jobs back home. Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said he and his team…
Alabama researchers power innovations for aerospace industry
Universities across Alabama are hubs of research and collaboration focused on the aerospace and aviation industries, and the innovations launched on campus hold major real-world promise. Professors and students alike are involved in the efforts, which range from emerging technologies in niche corners of the sector to broad initiatives that would be felt among many…
