News
Hyundai debuts new Santa Cruz ahead of Alabama production launch
Hyundai’s newest production model — the highly anticipated 2022 Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle — made its worldwide debut today as the automaker’s Alabama plant readies to launch its assembly. The Santa Cruz, which combines the versatile open bed of a pickup with the attributes of an SUV, made its first appearance in 2015 as…
Bonnie Plants plans greenhouse projects, e-commerce upgrades in Alabama
UNION SPRINGS, Alabama — Bonnie Plants, the nation’s largest grower of vegetable and herb plants for home gardens, announced plans today to upgrade and expand its greenhouse facilities in Bullock County with a multimillion-dollar project that will improve production and strengthen its e-commerce operations. “This new operation will be one of the most state-of-the-art facilities…
New accelerator programs launching for North Alabama tech startups
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Technology startups in North Alabama have a new resource to speed their growth trajectory, thanks to a partnership announced today between national startup accelerator gener8tor and the MidCity Accelerator Foundation Inc. Starting in mid-2021, four annual programs for entrepreneurs will be offered through this collaboration. The programs include three annual gBETA “pre-accelerator”…
Economic development report card shows $4.8 billion in 2020 investment
MONTGOMERY — Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, economic development activity across Alabama in 2020 generated close to $5 billion in new capital investment and almost 10,000 job commitments, Governor Kay Ivey announced today. With significant growth projects recorded in key strategic industrial sectors, Governor Ivey said the activity will strengthen the foundations…
Austal USA’s Alabama shipyard eyes production of steel ships
MOBILE, Alabama — Austal USA, a maker of aluminum vessels for the U.S. government, started construction Friday on a steel manufacturing line that positions the company to start steel production in April 2022. Austal USA said the addition of steel capability ensures that it will remain a major contributor to the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.…
Chart Industries plans Alabama growth project, creating 94 jobs
MOBILE, Alabama — Georgia-based Chart Industries, a leading maker of equipment used in the clean energy and industrial gas markets, plans a $2.5 million investment in an expansion project that will create 94 jobs at its Alabama facility, according to the Mobile Area Chamber. The project is expected to more than double the manufacturing capacity…
Coca-Cola UNITED announces $48 million expansion at Mobile facility
MOBILE, Alabama — Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED plans to invest $48 million in its Mobile campus to grow its business along the Gulf Coast with a project to expand its existing warehouse, optimize distribution operations and install a state-of-the-art warehousing system. “With this larger and more innovative facility, we will create an enhanced working environment…
Initiative aims to elevate Alabama as hub for tech, innovation
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A proposal in the Alabama Legislature would establish the Alabama Innovation Corp. as a catalyst to spark economic growth, technology-focused innovation and job creation throughout the state. The Alabama Innovation Corp. would act as a public-private partnership to promote specific initiatives to support statewide entrepreneurship, rural businesses, R&D at existing companies and access…
Alabama team staging virtual trade mission to Israel in May
The Alabama Department of Commerce and the Export Alabama Alliance will host a virtual trade mission to Israel on May 10-12 in preparation for an in-person trade mission to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to take place later this year. Alabama companies already exporting to Israel in addition to those looking to get started in this…
Construction kicks off on Coastal Growers’ $87 million peanut shelling facility
ATMORE, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey joined Escambia County officials in Atmore today to mark the start of construction on the Coastal Growers LLC peanut shelling facility, which will provide a major boost to peanut farmers in the region. The company — owned by a cooperative of farmers, most of them residing in Alabama –…