News
Made in Alabama brand evolution brings new look to Commerce website
The Alabama Department of Commerce has launched an upgraded version of its Made in Alabama website as the strategic centerpiece in an all-encompassing evolution of the state’s economic development brand. The redesigned Made in Alabama site features a clean, modern look and incorporates new features such as lead-generation elements to support Commerce’s primary economic and…
Zyp BikeShare adds ‘grab and go’ way to travel in Birmingham
Hundreds of bright green bicycles have collectively logged nearly 100,000 miles crisscrossing Birmingham, as the city’s new bike sharing system has become a hit with residents and visitors alike. Zyp BikeShare, an initiative of REV Birmingham that launched in October 2015, gives riders a new way to make a quick trip to the grocery store,…
Honda’s redesigned Alabama-made Odyssey takes center stage at Detroit auto show
DETROIT, Michigan — Honda today introduced the world to the latest version of its Odyssey minivan, a top-selling model that is produced at the company’s Alabama factory. The redesigned 2018 Odyssey, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, raises the stakes for family-friendly packaging, performance and technology in the minivan segment, said…
Alabama-built Honda Ridgeline wins 2017 ‘Truck of the Year’ award
DETROIT, Michigan — The Alabama-built Honda Ridgeline pickup has been named the 2017 North American Truck of the Year. The award was announced this morning at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Ridgeline bested two other finalists: the Ford F-series Super Duty and the Nissan Titan. In accepting the award, John Mendel, executive vice president of…
RECORD YEAR: Alabama auto production accelerates to all-time high in 2016
Alabama’s auto production climbed to a new record high in 2016, as workers at the state’s three auto assembly plants kept up a brisk pace of building SUVs, pickups and sedans for markets around the world. The Alabama factories of Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz combined to produce at least 1,048,597 vehicles, according to year-end figures…
Alabama makers help business recruiters tell state’s story in unique way
When it comes to courting new and expanding companies, Alabama’s business recruiters don’t have to look far for help. They often turn to local artists, manufacturers and other makers when they want a special gift for company officials or international dignitaries, and they have plenty of options to choose from. From delicate blown glass sculptures…
Scorecard: Montgomery 2016 capital investment totals $411M
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Montgomery officials said today that the area attracted $411 million in new capital investment this year, with a lion’s share of that total coming from existing businesses. Led by significant investments from companies such as Alfa, Baptist Health and Jackson Hospital, existing businesses announced plans for $319.7 million in new investment in…
Alabama auto industry drives into new era with brainpower jobs, deeper skills
As Alabama’s auto industry has grown over the past two decades, so have the jobs and the sophisticated skill sets required to keep production humming. The majority of the positions at the state’s three auto assembly plants are in production, but the automakers have also built up their ranks of other highly-skilled professionals. At Honda…
Alabama academic researchers work to power new discoveries
Researchers at universities across Alabama are involved in groundbreaking work that is bringing promising new developments to industry, healthcare and community life. In many instances, the projects have been recognized by national research groups, which are funneling millions of dollars in funding into the state. At the University of South Alabama, an engineering professor has…
Lenzing Alabama expansion: $293M investment, 163 jobs
MOBILE, Alabama – Austria-based Lenzing AG announced plans today to invest $293 million to expand production at its Alabama fibers plant, creating 163 new and permanent positions over three years. The Mobile County factory was the first commercial operation in the world to produce and market Lyocell, an eco-friendly, botanic fiber used in clothing and…