News
Toyota Alabama — ‘engine capital of the world’ — marks 15 years
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Long known for rocket engine production, Huntsville is on its way to earning the title of “engine capital of the world,” thanks to the presence of Toyota over the past 15 years. During that time, the Japanese automaker’s Alabama workers have built more than 4.5 million engines at its Huntsville factory, which…
Auto supplier voestalpine to invest $11 million in Alabama facility
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Austrian automotive supplier voestalpine Automotive Body Parts Inc. announced plans today to open an $11.1 million Birmingham facility that’s expected to create 42 jobs. Voestalpine will produce a variety of automotive components, including stamped and hot formed parts, at an existing facility located at 260-A Lyon Lane, in Birmingham’s Oxmoor Valley, according…
Hyundai Alabama to launch Santa Fe Sport SUV after $52M project
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hyundai’s Alabama plant will start mass production of the Santa Fe Sport SUV this week, adding a third vehicle to the automaker’s busy Montgomery assembly lines. The launch is set for Wednesday, and the move will allow Hyundai to meet growing demand for the vehicle amid a strong U.S. market for trucks…
GE Aviation kicks off work on unique materials factories in Alabama
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – GE Aviation executives joined Governor Robert Bentley today to formal launch a $200 million project to build two factories in Alabama that are critical to the company’s plans to produce revolutionary ultra-lightweight parts for jet engines. Leading state and local officials also attended a groundbreaking ceremony in Huntsville for the project, which…
TVA certification primes Huntsville Mega Site for development
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Officials said today that a 1,252-acre site off Powell Road in Limestone County has been certified as a Tennessee Valley Authority Mega Site, positioning the location to compete globally for large-scale manufacturing projects. For a site to receive TVA certification, it must be at least 1,000 acres, with interstate access, the potential…
Report: Key indicators show Alabama bioscience industry expanding
Alabama’s bioscience industry is robust, and key indicators show the sector is growing to support new, high-paying jobs, according to a report from TEConomy Partners LLC and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, or BIO. The “Value of Bioscience Innovation in Growing Jobs and Improving Quality of Life 2016” Report examines metrics including the number of employees…
Innovation Depot boosts biotech pipeline, entrepreneurial ecosystem
Birmingham’s Innovation Depot has played a key role in growing Alabama’s biotech industry, with standout facilities, strong ties to world-class researchers and an extensive network of contacts that help new firms make their mark in the field. The business incubator is home to a wide range of startups, but its benefits for biotech companies are…
Eissmann Automotive to expand Alabama operation with 200 new jobs
PELL CITY, Alabama – German auto supplier Eissmann Automotive will invest $14.5 million to expand its St. Clair County facility with a 130,000-square-foot building and advanced manufacturing equipment for a new production line, officials said today. Eissmann, which has expanded its Pell City facility six times since opening a decade ago, will hire 200 additional…
Alabama claims Silver Shovel Award for 2015 projects
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s economic development team earned a Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine for its strong performance in 2015, keeping alive a winning streak that dates back a decade. The publication, which targets economic developers and site selection experts, announced the award today, noting that Alabama secured 2015 projects involving $7.1 billion…
Brenda Tuck joins Commerce as liaison to Regional Workforce Councils
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce announced today that Brenda Tuck will join its Workforce Development Division as a liaison to the state’s Regional Workforce Councils. Tuck brings years of experience in economic development to this new role at Commerce. Since 2012, she has served as executive director of the Marengo County Economic…