News

Airbus kicks off construction on Flight Works Alabama education center
MOBILE, Alabama – Flight Works Alabama, a new aviation experience center near Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Mobile, is ready to begin its take off. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined Airbus executives, city and county leaders from Mobile, and industry and educational partners in breaking ground today for the hands-on instructional facility. In May 2017, Ivey announced…

Global Trade: Alabama ranks as top state for manufacturing
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Global Trade, a publication focusing on international business, has selected Alabama as the nation’s top state for manufacturing in a new ranking. Global Trade cited the growth of Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry and its leadership position in aerospace production, as well as job training provided by AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development…

Continental Motors embarks on $75 million Alabama factory project
MOBILE, Alabama – A $75 million project to transform Continental Motors’ aircraft-engine manufacturing operations at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley is taking off. On Thursday, the company hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its “Blue Marlin” project, which involves the construction of an advanced manufacturing facility for the production of piston and turbine engines for light…

Briggs & Stratton to open Alabama distribution hub, creating 20 jobs
AUBURN, Alabama — Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced plans today to open a 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Alabama, adding 20 new jobs to its significant manufacturing presence in Auburn. The new Alabama distribution hub, focusing on Briggs & Stratton engines and other products, will allow the company to reduce delivery times to its customers in…

Walmart opens $135 million distribution center in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – Walmart on Tuesday officially marked the opening of a $135 million distribution center in Mobile that will create 750 jobs and strengthen the retailer’s supply chain network. During a grand opening ceremony, Governor Kay Ivey highlighted how the new facility will contribute to economic growth in the region while providing career opportunities…

2 firms form artificial intelligence joint venture in Florence
FLORENCE, Alabama — Nevada-based Sierra Artificial Neural Networks announced plans today to locate its headquarters in Florence and form a joint development partnership with IPWatch Systems Corp. to advance artificial intelligence products. Sierra Artificial Neural Networks said the Florence area represents an ideal location for the firm to pursue application creation and ongoing development. The…

Alabama grabs No. 1 business climate ranking from publication
Business Facilities, an economic development-focused publication, ranked Alabama’s business climate tops among the states in a new analysis that examined performance in several key economic categories. The publication cited Alabama’s successful recruitment of the Toyota-Mazda joint venture automobile manufacturing plant to illustrate the state’s appeal. The project, announced in January 2018, calls for a $1.6…

GE Aviation’s 3-D printing hub in Alabama expands next-gen technology
AUBURN, Alabama – Just like the unique aircraft engine parts produced within its walls, the GE Aviation factory in Auburn is steadily growing as the one-of-a-kind plant marked its fifth anniversary. Employment at the Alabama facility is expanding as production rapidly increases. The workforce recently stood at 210 people, with more set to join the…

Alabama aerospace connections on display at Farnborough Airshow
FARNBOROUGH, England — The Farnborough International Airshow is the global industry’s grand event in 2018, highlighted by thunderous aerial flyovers and mind-boggling billion-dollar aircraft purchase announcements. For the Alabama team at the airshow, the event also represents an opportunity to showcase the state’s deep connections to the dynamic aerospace industry and to spot glimpses of…

Alabama team departs Farnborough after 2 days of promising talks
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield departed London today after two intensive days of meetings at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow that left them encouraged about growth prospects in the industry. While at Farnborough, the Alabama team engaged in 16 appointments with executives at aerospace companies such as Boeing, Airbus, Leonardo, and GE…


