News

Alabama’s auto industry primes for growth milestones in 2021
Alabama’s auto industry is poised for a stellar year in 2021, with plans to add thousands of new jobs along with highly-anticipated new products as companies deepen their roots in communities across the state. Automakers are in the midst of major new construction and expansions, including the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville and the…

Alabama’s ‘Rocket City’ tapped for U.S. Space Command headquarters
The Secretary of the U.S. Air Force announced today that Huntsville has been selected as the preferred location for the headquarters of the new U.S. Space Command, a move that is a natural fit for Alabama’s “Rocket City” and its longtime support of space and defense programs. Goals of the new command are to better…

Veronica Crock joins Commerce team as senior project manager
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Veronica Crock, an experienced economic developer and former educator who focused on workforce preparedness, has joined the business development team at the Alabama Department of Commerce. Crock, who holds the title of senior project manager, will concentrate her efforts on advanced manufacturing projects statewide. She will also have an initial focus on…

Resource Fiber plans groundbreaking bamboo products plant in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Resource Fiber, a national leader in efforts to manufacture commercial bamboo products, plans to establish its first full-scale production plant in Alabama as part of a project that will create 111 jobs in Sulligent. Resource Fiber plans to invest $3.6 million in the Lamar County facility,…

New venture to expand Jasper lumber production facility, creating 60 jobs
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Jasper Lumber Co. and Canada’s Tolko Industries Ltd. have formed a partnership that will expand lumber production at a Walker County facility through a $45 million project creating at least 60 jobs. The investment will triple capacity at Jasper Lumber’s existing sawmill and create additional activity…

Germany’s Heiche plans Alabama manufacturing facility with 73 jobs
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Germany-based Heiche Surface Technologies plans a substantial investment to open an advanced metals coating facility in Jasper, creating at least 73 jobs and expanding Walker County’s footprint in Alabama’s auto industry. Heiche, whose customers include automakers and suppliers, will locate its manufacturing operation to a more…

Alabama treasures gift guide offers last-minute inspiration
If you’re still looking for last-minute shopping inspiration, you don’t have to look far. Alabama is home to talented artists, builders, growers and others who make distinctive items. For proof, see Part 1 and Part 2 of the 2020 Made In Alabama Holiday Gift Guide. But that’s not all. This state has a rich history…

Auburn’s SiO2 launches production of high-tech COVID-19 vaccine vials
AUBURN, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey joined leaders of SiO2 Materials Science and other officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the opening of a facility where the Auburn company has launched production of unique vials to be used in the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. The milestone celebrated at SiO2’s new production facility comes…

Transportation partners team for new logistics park in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – Alabama officials today announced that CN, a Canadian transportation company, is collaborating with Alabama Export Railroad and Ray-Mont Logistics to launch the first phase of a new, high-tech logistics park in Mobile. Opening in late 2021, the first phase of the facility will serve to bag plastic pellets for containerized shipping around…

Mercedes to launch production of electric vehicles in Alabama in 2022
VANCE, Alabama – Alabama’s Mercedes-Benz plant will begin producing luxury electric SUVs in 2022, part of a major rollout of new vehicle technology and manufacturing coordination at the automaker’s facilities around the world. The company on Monday revealed new details of its “Electric First” strategy, which keeps it on the path to CO2 neutrality and…


