News
Having mastered auto, Tuscaloosa targets aerospace
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Twenty years after Tuscaloosa landed a Mercedes-Benz assembly plant that turned Alabama into an automotive powerhouse, the city is ramping up efforts to recruit another advanced manufacturing sector: aerospace. Tuscaloosa Mayor Walter Maddox and officials from the city and county will travel with the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (TCIDA) and a…
EDPA’s Sewell: Alabama aerospace sector ready for takeoff
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Airbus’ decision to locate its A320 Family Assembly Line in Mobile has pushed the throttle up on efforts by Alabama economic development officials to accelerate growth in the state’s aerospace sector. With the focus of the global aerospace industry about to turn to the Farnborough International Air Show, Made in Alabama talked…
Thriving Southeast Alabama aerospace sector seeks additional lift
DOTHAN, Alabama – At the Dothan Regional Airport, Commercial Jet Inc.’s workforce has been busy converting Boeing 737 passenger aircraft into freighters at the company’s new facility, a significant addition to the thriving Southeast Alabama aerospace sector. Miami-based Commercial Jet announced plans for the $12 million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operation a year ago,…
Made in Alabama to provide full coverage of Farnborough Air Show
A team of top Alabama officials, economic developers and local leaders is heading to the Farnborough Air Show in a concerted effort to expand the state’s aerospace industry and win new jobs. During the show, which begins Monday, July 14, follow all the details through real-time reports of announcements and news on the Made in…
Team Alabama takes aim at aerospace growth at Farnborough Air Show
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — With the Airbus assembly line rising in Mobile, top Alabama leaders, economic development specialists and local officials will head to the Farnborough International Air Show near London next week for talks aimed at expanding the aerospace industry in the state. Governor Robert Bentley will lead a small working team of Alabama officials…
Alabama Jack Daniel cooperage opens, creating 200 jobs in Lawrence County
TRINITY, Alabama — An ultra-modern facility that produces oak barrels that help give Jack Daniel’s whiskey its color and flavor officially opened today in Lawrence County. Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, state economic development officials and Brown-Forman/Jack Daniel’s leaders today celebrated the grand opening of the Jack Daniel Cooperage in Trinity, a community near Decatur. The…
Alabama delegation builds connections at 2014 BIO International Convention
SAN DIEGO, California – An Alabama delegation comprised of biotechnology companies, research organizations and economic developers showcased the state’s capabilities at the 2014 BIO International Convention as part of an effort to create opportunities and expand the sector. Over three days at the global trade show, the Alabama team, led by the state Department of…
Alabama opens training center for Airbus, aerospace expansion
MOBILE, Alabama – Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said the Alabama Aviation Training Center that officially opened Tuesday at the Mobile Aeroplex – the home of Airbus’ future U.S. passenger jet factory — represents a cornerstone in efforts to expand the state’s aerospace industry. The $7 million training facility, operated by AIDT, the state’s top-ranked job-training agency,…
Mercedes-Benz launches C-Class mass production in Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz officially launched mass production of the C-Class sedan today at its Alabama production facility, marking the first time the automaker’s U.S. plant has produced a sedan. Meanwhile, media reports from Frankfurt, Germany said the automaker plans to significantly increase output at the Alabama plant from its current level of 185,000 vehicles…
South Korean auto parts maker KMIN to open first US plant in Alabama
LANETT, Alabama – South Korean auto parts maker KMIN announced plans to open its first U.S. plant in Chambers County, which has become a thriving hub for supplier operations as the Southeastern auto industry continues to expand. Chambers County officials said KMIN, which manufactures and assembles parts for automobile seats as well as ancillary parts,…