News
Could patented golden kiwifruit be Alabama’s next export success?
REELTOWN, Alabama – A small community in eastern Alabama is home to the nation’s only commercial golden kiwifruit orchard, an innovative operation that could lead the way in establishing a new specialty crop for growers across the Southeastern U.S. The Southeast Kiwi Farming Cooperative, established in 2014 and located in Tallapoosa and Macon counties, grows…
Topre America’s $80 million expansion to create 98 jobs in Cullman
CULLMAN, Alabama – Auto supplier Topre America Corp. plans an $80 million, 98-job expansion at its Cullman operations. The expansion will involve a new production line that will supply parts for the 2018 Nissan Altima being built at the automaker’s plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. Topre plans to install the new press line and machining equipment…
Alabama cyber security programs ramp up amid rising threats
AUBURN, Alabama — Protecting the nation’s infrastructure, industries and sensitive information in the digital age is the focus of advanced research taking place across Alabama. Universities are boosting their research efforts in the field of cyber security, along with programs that produce highly skilled graduates. Governor Kay Ivey also recently announced the formation of a…
Toyota-Mazda plant caps Alabama auto sector’s successful year
Toyota-Mazda’s plans to build a $1.6 billion, 4,000-job auto assembly plant in Huntsville form the latest chapter in the story of Alabama’s robust auto industry, which just wrapped up another successful year. 2017 saw major investments and innovative plans for new technologies, as the state’s automakers continued to build vehicles and engines for customers around…
Target deal for Shipt showcases Birmingham’s dynamic tech sector
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The vibrant entrepreneurial tech scene in Birmingham is once again in the national spotlight, as Target plans to buy local grocery delivery service Shipt for $550 million in a blockbuster deal. The retail giant, which announced the acquisition in December, said it will have a major impact on efforts to increase convenience…
Makers select the Made in Alabama 2017 Holiday Gift Guide
Alabama is an internationally known hub of manufacturing for cars, planes and ships, but the state also turns out an impressive variety of items that fit perfectly underneath the Christmas tree. For the 2017 edition of the Made In Alabama holiday gift guide, we turned to the people who know the state’s creativity and craftsmanship…
Alabama Launchpad selects 2 innovative startups for funding
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Two Birmingham firms prevailed in the latest round of the Alabama startup competition that has pumped millions of dollars into innovative ideas across the state. The Alabama Launchpad Startup Competition Finale, held Wednesday night at Iron City, featured six teams that made pitches in front of a panel of judges and a…
Alabama aerospace industry gains velocity with new investment
Alabama’s aerospace and aviation industry is recording a landmark year, with a major haul of project announcements that bring the promise of international prominence to communities and workers across the state. So far this year, aerospace companies have unveiled plans to invest at least $500 million and bring more than 2,200 jobs to Alabama in…
New business incubators to spark innovation across Alabama
Alabama universities are providing new launch pads for entrepreneurs and their innovative business ideas across the state. Several new incubators have opened or are in the works, and all of the projects have the potential to help spin out new jobs and investment for local communities. At the University of Alabama, the Technology Villages program…
Royal Technologies kicks off $14 million, 25-job expansion in Cullman
CULLMAN, Alabama – Royal Technologies Corp. today announced a $14 million expansion of its Cullman manufacturing operation, a project that will create 25 jobs. The company produces polymer products, primarily plastic and foam, for the automotive, furniture and consumer goods industries. The 176,000-square-foot expansion will allow for the addition of plastic injection molding lines. “When…