During 2020, these projects involved nearly $550 million in new capital investment and the creation of at least 2,000 jobs in the state, according to estimates from the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Companies launching projects included Lowe’s Home Improvement, ALDI and Dollar General, as well as FedEx Ground, which announced plans for a $40 million logistics facility in Jefferson County.

EXPANDING FOOTPRINT

The momentum has continued into 2021 as companies step up their E-commerce efforts. This year, internet retail giant Amazon has announced four separate growth projects in the state that will generate over 1,400 new jobs.

“Thanks to our central location in the Southeast, a robust infrastructure network and a motivated workforce, it looks like all roads are leading to Alabama,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

In Dothan, construction on the FedEx facility is expected to begin in December, with completion scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2022.

Officials said the new facility will further strengthen Dothan’s distribution efforts and enhance the area’s continued growth to support the existing and new business developments of the region.

Over the past year, the Alabama Department of Commerce and Alabama Department of Transportation have worked closely with the Wiregrass delegation, Houston County, City of Dothan, Industrial Development Board of the City of Dothan, and the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce-Grow Dothan to support the project.

“With strong emphasis in the state’s marketing efforts and business development plan, Secretary Greg Canfield and his team strengthened the business development incentives in order to strengthen Alabama’s position to make the state the place to grow and develop this sector of our economy to grow and adapt in the E-commerce world,” Saliba said.