News
AIDT’s Castile retiring after 33 years, Taylor named new director
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Ed Castile, director of Alabama Industrial Development Training, will retire Tuesday after 33 years leading the state’s workforce recruitment organization. In his more than three decades at the helm, AIDT has become a globally recognized entity. Its employee-readiness programs are a significant incentive offered to industries that choose Alabama. From automakers to…
Annual SEUS-CP forum highlights growth opportunities with a top trading partner
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Earlier this week, Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair led a delegation to the annual Southeast U.S States – Canadian Provinces Business Forum, an opportunity to strengthen bonds and opportunities with one of the state’s largest trading partners. This year’s conference in Greenville, S.C., allowed current and potential partners across the alliance…
Eli Lilly, Space Command and other growth help earn Alabama a Silver Shovel Award
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Growth in Alabama’s defense presence and a major pharmaceutical facility announcement helped the state earn a 2026 Silver Shovel Award from the business publication Area Development. The awards are presented annually to states that achieved noteworthy success in job creation and economic impact. For 21 years, the publication has determined winners based on…
Italian auto industry supplier Vulcaflex picks Auburn for first North American facility
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Vulcaflex S.p.A, an Italian manufacturer of synthetic leathers used in the automotive industry, is opening its first U.S. facility in Auburn. The almost $70 million investment will create 130 jobs, company and state officials said. “Alabama is pleased to welcome Vulcaflex to its new North American home in Auburn,” Governor Kay Ivey…
At Battery Show Europe, Alabama team promotes location, opportunities
An Alabama delegation focused on advancing the state’s battery and electric mobility industry was recently in Stuttgart, Germany for Battery Show Europe. The annual conference is described as the epicenter of energy storage, bringing together more than 17,000 attendees, including industry leaders and suppliers from more than 72 countries. Topics ranged from mining and raw materials,…
Alabama’s BIO International delegation to promote state’s investment, opportunities
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – When Dr. Karim Budhwani leads a discussion session at BIO International’s annual conference in San Diego next week, he’ll be wearing his signature Iron Man bow tie along with a “Made in Alabama” pin on his lapel. Budhwani is co-founder and CEO-scientist at Birmingham-based CerFlux, a biotech company focused on developing precision oncology…
Japanese shipbuilders tour Alabama coast as part of expansion mission
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A Japanese shipbuilding delegation of government and industry officials recently toured Alabama’s coast as part of a mission to expand shipbuilding and defense capabilities in Japan and the U.S. Alabama Department of Commerce officials, including Secretary Ellen McNair, and leaders from local communities participated in the U.S. International Trade Administration-led excursion, which…
Kamtec Auto USA to bring $9.2 million investment, 50 jobs to Auburn
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – South Korean automotive supplier Kamtec Auto USA announced this week it will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Auburn. The new operation represents a $9.2 million investment and will create about 50 jobs over the next three years. The facility will provide advanced technical components for engine control and electric management…
Latest state SEEDS funding will create new Baldwin County industrial site
FOLEY, Alabama – A new 121-acre industrial park is planned in Baldwin County, thanks in part to a more than $3.3 million state grant. The new development is a collaboration between the City of Foley, the Baldwin Alliance and the state. Local officials were presented with a check for the funding on Monday. The funding will…
Alabama exports reach $23.7 billion in 2025, with shipments to 190 countries
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – May is World Trade Month, and recently released data on Alabama’s exports underscore the importance of global trade to the state’s economy. It also highlights momentum behind efforts to diversify and expand the state’s international reach. Alabama companies exported goods and services worth $23.7 billion in 2025, the Department of Commerce announced…