News
LABOR DAY: Alabama jobs rising in manufacturing, bioscience fields
With three busy vehicle assembly factories, a major engine plant and a vast supplier network that stretches across the state, it’s no surprise that a large part of Alabama’s recent job growth has been driven by the auto industry. The state’s durable goods manufacturing sector has grown by nearly 26,000 jobs over the past five…
Alabama-made Atlas V rockets to lift NASA to asteroid, Mars
Alabama-made Atlas V rockets will launch a NASA spacecraft on a dramatic mission to rendezvous with an asteroid and later send Mars 2020, the space agency’s next-generation robotic rover, to the Red Planet. First up is the lift-off of the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, scheduled for Sept. 8 at Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The United…
Alabama auto industry adds jobs, investment in communities big and small
Alabama’s auto industry continues to power new investment and jobs across the state. Over the past year, auto suppliers have announced new facilities and expansions worth at least $924 million and more than 2,500 new jobs in activities ranging from precision machining to engineering. Among the companies growing in Alabama is Lear Operations Corp., which…
Alabama Innovation Awards honor success stories across state
Companies across Alabama, including medical researchers, shipbuilders and a media mogul, are being honored for their commitment to innovation. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama will present the 2016 Alabama Innovation Awards during the sixth annual Alabama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Conference in Birmingham. All of the recipients were selected because they showed significant achievement in…
Building BLOX: Alabama architecture firm makes mark on healthcare with innovative process
Giattina Aycock Architecture Studio Inc. has played a key role in shaping communities across Alabama. From parks and schools to hospitals and corporate campuses, GA Studio is the author of many of the region’s well-known landmarks. In particular, the 50-year-old firm’s work has helped spur the resurgence of downtown Birmingham, with notable projects including Jemison…
Plastipak expanding Birmingham facility with $10M investment
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Plastipak Packaging Inc. will invest $10.4 million to add two manufacturing lines to its Birmingham area facility, where it produces plastic bottles for the beverage industry, the Birmingham Business Alliance said today. “Plastipak is extremely appreciative of the support it has received from the local community and business organizations,” said William C. Young, president…
Site selection publication awards high marks to Alabama, Huntsville
Business Facilities magazine rated Alabama among the top states for workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength, and foreign direct investment in its 2016 rankings. In addition, the economic development-focused publication rated Huntsville No. 1 among U.S. cities for STEM job growth, and No. 3 for economic growth potential. The Rocket City was No. 5 for…
Innovation Week: Birmingham tech sector offers ‘room to run’ for entrepreneurs
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – World class research institutions, along with a skilled workforce, strong financial community and engaged business leadership are among the assets that make the Birmingham region fertile ground for innovation and technology. The sector’s rich landscape here is being celebrated this week, with various forums, open houses and panel discussions that feature entrepreneurs,…
Ernst & Young: Alabama ranks in Top 5 for investment
Global consulting firm Ernst & Young says companies from around the world poured more than $5 billion into capital projects in Alabama last year, earning the state a place near the top of its investment rankings. Ernst & Young’s closely watched “US Investment Monitor” ranked Alabama No.5 among the states for mobile capital investment last…
Huntsville targets Dream Chaser landings as Sierra Nevada ties grow
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Huntsville International Airport is moving closer to a goal of becoming the first commercial airport that will be a landing spot for Sierra Nevada Corp.’s Dream Chaser spaceplane. A project team is working to secure funding to conduct additional studies this year and to submit an application for a commercial landing license…