Made (and tested) in Alabama: State-built cars first get test track workouts
Before Alabama-made vehicles hit city streets and neighborhood roads, they get a workout on the test tracks at the state’s three auto assembly plants. Banked curves, bumpy asphalt, smooth straightaways and skid pads are just some of the features that help put the models through paces that are designed to simulate all kinds of driving…
MILESTONE: Honda produces 4 millionth Alabama-made vehicle
LINCOLN, Alabama — If you line up all the Honda vehicles that have been built at the automaker’s Talladega County plant since it opened 15 years ago, they would stretch across the U.S., from New York to Los Angeles, more than four times. That’s what 4 million Alabama-made Hondas look like. Today, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama celebrated…
Alabama leaders seek to strengthen bonds at SEUS Japan 39
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will join Alabama business leaders in a delegation representing the state in Japan next week at a high-level forum that aims to strengthen cultural and economic ties. More than 30 Alabama government officials, economic development professionals and others who work in finance, manufacturing, medical technology and tourism will attend the 39th…
LABOR DAY: Alabama jobs rising in manufacturing, bioscience fields
With three busy vehicle assembly factories, a major engine plant and a vast supplier network that stretches across the state, it’s no surprise that a large part of Alabama’s recent job growth has been driven by the auto industry. The state’s durable goods manufacturing sector has grown by nearly 26,000 jobs over the past five…
Alabama auto industry adds jobs, investment in communities big and small
Alabama’s auto industry continues to power new investment and jobs across the state. Over the past year, auto suppliers have announced new facilities and expansions worth at least $924 million and more than 2,500 new jobs in activities ranging from precision machining to engineering. Among the companies growing in Alabama is Lear Operations Corp., which…
Site selection publication awards high marks to Alabama, Huntsville
Business Facilities magazine rated Alabama among the top states for workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength, and foreign direct investment in its 2016 rankings. In addition, the economic development-focused publication rated Huntsville No. 1 among U.S. cities for STEM job growth, and No. 3 for economic growth potential. The Rocket City was No. 5 for…
Honda’s humanoid robot makes a stop in Alabama
LINCOLN, Alabama – Honda’s innovative humanoid robot, ASIMO, visited the automaker’s Talladega County plant this week, part of an effort to encourage STEM education among local students and celebrate the advanced technology found throughout the facility. ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, was featured at the Honda Manufacturing of Alabama Family Open…
Toyota Alabama engine plant marks 15 years of growth
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – The Toyota Alabama engine plant is marking its 15th anniversary this week, celebrating an era that has brought great growth in size, skill and significance for the Huntsville facility and its workforce. The $864 million plant has expanded four times since its groundbreaking in summer 2001, and now produces six times as…
German auto supplier Gerhardi picks Alabama for first U.S. plant
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – At a groundbreaking ceremony today, German auto supplier Gerhardi Kuntstofftechnik announced plans to invest $37.9 million and create 235 jobs in Montgomery to create its first North American manufacturing facility. “This is a great opportunity for Gerhardi, and we are very excited,” Gerhardi Managing Director Reinhard Hoffman said. “Montgomery Industrial Park offers…
New Alabama-built Santa Fe Sport SUVs roll off Hyundai line
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Hyundai’s Alabama auto plant successfully launched mass production of the Santa Fe Sport on Wednesday. Workers built about 50 of the SUVs on the first day, and they will ramp up to possibly 200 per day next week, said Robert Burns, spokesman for the automaker’s Montgomery operations. By the end of the year,…
