Business Facilities magazine gives Alabama high rankings for its workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength and overall manufacturing employment, while touting the economic growth potential of Mobile and Huntsville.
In its 13th annual ranking report, the economic development-focused publication singled out Huntsville as the nation’s top metro area in aerospace/defense, citing its large concentration of aerospace engineers and plans by Boeing Co. to expand its longtime presence in the north Alabama city.
Business Facilities noted that Boeing has 2,700 Alabama employees, mostly in Huntsville, where it began operating in 1962. By 2020, Boeing aims to add 400 jobs while increasing its investment in Alabama’s “Rocket City” by another $70 million.

