News
Mercedes-Benz recruiter sees more expansion for Alabama auto manufacturing sector
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Billy Joe Camp had a front-row seat for Project Rosewood, the recruiting effort that brought Mercedes-Benz to Alabama, and has witnessed every development in the Alabama auto manufacturing industry ever since. He remains bullish on the sector’s prospects after two decades of dynamic growth. Back in 1993, Camp headed the Alabama Development Office,…
Expansions, new projects fuel growth of manufacturing jobs across Alabama
A manufacturing boom means Alabama is poised to produce more automobiles, engines, ships, railcars and airplane components. It also means thousands of new manufacturing jobs across a state whose economy continues to be reshaped by industrial projects. “Industrial development throughout the state remains in high gear with many companies announcing expansions to their existing operations or…
Honda prepares to roll out new Alabama-made Acura MDX sport utility vehicle from Lincoln plant
LINCOLN, Alabama – The newest Made-In-Alabama vehicle, the Acura MDX, will arrive in mid-2013 at dealer showrooms across the nation, adding a touch of luxury to the line-up produced in the state. The Alabama-made Acura MDX also will be heading to a distant market – China. The Honda plant in Lincoln has been preparing to introduce…
Impact of Alabama agriculture, forestry industries tops $70 billion
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama agriculture and forestry industries remain powerful economic forces in the state, according to a fresh report that assesses their impact at $70.4 billion annually. The February 2013 analysis, prepared by Auburn University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, also identifies the agriculture and forestry industries as major employers in…
Alabama is sweet home for foreign companies, investment
Since Alabama said “Willkommen” to Mercedes-Benz two decades ago, the state has become a top destination for major foreign companies looking for a U.S. home for manufacturing plants and other facilities. A major focus of Alabama’s economic development recruitment efforts has long been foreign companies, and it shows. Airbus, the world’s largest maker of passenger…
Golden Dragon copper tubing plant will provide boost to rural Alabama county
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Golden Dragon copper tubing plant, now under construction in Wilcox County, will create at least 300 jobs and could serve as a model for rural economic development, according to reports on the al.com web site. The $100 million Golden Dragon manufacturing project is considered a significant economic development victory for rural…
Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry adding investment, jobs and vehicles after record year
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama auto manufacturing industry has been running at full throttle, but it’s poised to gain additional velocity as new investment pours into the state. Manufacturing plants are expanding, new suppliers are establishing operations and the industry’s workforce is growing across the state. The expansion activity means that Alabama, already a Top…
Mobile Brookley Aeroplex preparing for Airbus’ touch down in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – The home of Airbus Alabama, Mobile Brookley Aeroplex, has a rich aviation history, a unique transportation infrastructure and a bright future as the world’s next production hub for passenger jets. “Our logistics in Mobile are world class,” said Bill Sisson, the former executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority (MAA), which operates the 1,650-acre…
Industrial robots training center prepares Alabama workers for high-tech manufacturing jobs
TANNER, Alabama — Rick Maroney minds a flock of industrial robots in one of the world’s most innovative and futuristic training centers. Maroney is a project manager at Robotics Technology Park (RTP), where workers from manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda and Navistar have come for training on the latest equipment from the world’s top industrial…
Alabama candy manufacturer tastes sweet success in overseas markets
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama– From a modest candy factory tucked away in a corner of suburban Birmingham, Scott Green satisfies sweet-tooth cravings in more than 50 countries across the globe. Green’s firm, Creative Concepts in Irondale, produces Pucker Powder, a sugary confection that is dispensed from custom-designed machines to fill plastic tubes in colorful layers. The company…