News
Mercedes to invest $1.3 billion in Alabama plant for next-gen SUVs
Mercedes-Benz plans to invest nearly $1.3 billion in a major expansion at its Alabama assembly plant, creating 300 jobs and preparing the factory to launch production of its next-generation sport utility vehicles, including hybrids. The new investment comes at a time of dramatic growth for Mercedes’ manufacturing hub in Tuscaloosa County. Output at the 3.7 million-square-foot plant is targeted at 300,000…
Toyota Alabama produces milestone 4 millionth engine
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Workers at the Toyota Alabama plant recorded a production milestone Monday – the 4 millionth engine assembled at the Huntsville facility. “It was an exciting day,” said Jim Bolte, president of Toyota Alabama. “This is a testament to our team members – they are dedicated to building high-quality engines. And, whether it…
Airbus Alabama production launch to boost aerospace sector
MOBILE, Alabama – Airbus leaders and Alabama officials gathered at Mobile Aeroplex today to celebrate the official opening of the aviation giant’s most advanced manufacturing facility – a development that will push the state’s aerospace sector to new altitudes. “Today shows that Airbus is truly becoming a global manufacturer and a truly American manufacturer,” said…
How Airbus A320 aircraft assembly will roll in Alabama (video)
Curious about how Airbus’ Alabama workforce will assemble those A320 Family passenger jets in the company’s new, $600 million assembly line at Mobile Aeroplex? A fast-paced video from Airbus paints a picture of how assembly operations will flow inside the company’s first U.S. manufacturing facility, where production has quietly begun in recent days. Airbus is…
Site consultants rank Alabama a top state in Area Development survey
Site selection professionals surveyed by national publication Area Development once again ranked Alabama in the top five states for doing business, citing its strong labor climate and workforce development programs. Alabama ranked No. 5 in Area Development’s 2015 “Top States For Doing Business” analysis, appearing this week online. It’s the sixth consecutive year that Alabama…
Alabama trade mission to South Africa targets business opportunities
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading a trade and business development mission to South Africa and Tanzania that will permit Alabama businesses to explore partnership and export opportunities in a fast-growing region. Representatives from six Alabama companies joined Secretary Canfield and international trade specialists from around the state on the 10-day mission that officially kicked…
Time Inc. test kitchen investment adds to Birmingham culinary scene
With new restaurants opening every month and a massive Time Inc. test kitchen on the way, Birmingham’s dynamic food scene is gaining national exposure and positioning the Alabama city as a premier culinary destination. In the latest development, New York-based Time Inc. plans to make a multimillion-dollar investment to set up what’s being called its…
Oxford Pharmaceuticals starts construction on Alabama generic drug plant
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Oxford Pharmaceuticals is closer to producing generic drugs in Alabama with a $29.4 million Birmingham plant that gives the state’s largest metro area a foothold in an important industry. Company officials joined elected and economic development officials Wednesday for a ceremonial groundbreaking at the plant site, though it was clear by the…
REHAU opens Alabama technical center to serve automotive industry
CULLMAN, Alabama – European auto parts maker REHAU formally opened its first North American technical center at the company’s manufacturing facility in Cullman, creating a U.S. site to handle research and development functions that had been conducted primarily in Germany. REHAU said the ultra-modern technical center, staffed with 45 engineers, will enable the company to bundle…
Alabama Launchpad funds 4 startups, honors innovation (update)
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — With Alabama Innovation Week starting Monday, Alabama Launchpad kicked off the celebration a little early with the finale of its latest round of competition. On Thursday, Alabama Launchpad awarded $240,000 to four start-up companies participating in its state-wide entrepreneur competition. The program, established by Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), works to…