World travelers: Alabama-made vehicles crisscross the globe as exports surge
From the deserts of the Middle East to urban centers across Asia and villages dotting the European countryside, vehicles made in Alabama are making a lasting impression. Exports of state-made automobiles continued to grow at an impressive rate in 2016, rising 13 percent to $7.9 billion. So far this year, the numbers are holding steady…
‘Minnie Van’: Redesigned Alabama-built Odyssey makes memorable debut
The latest transformation of the Alabama-made Honda Odyssey is turning heads. The redesigned, 2018 edition of the top-selling minivan hit dealer lots this summer and is already earning high marks from reviewers for its performance, technology and other new and improved features. Adding to the buzz, Honda also teamed up with Disney-ABC to create a…
Alabama auto sector primed for growth with $1 billion in new investment
Alabama’s auto industry continues to thrive, racking up new jobs and investments in communities across the state. Last year, there were at least 68 auto projects, for an estimated total of 3,848 jobs and $907.1 million in new capital investment, according to an analysis of the 2016 New & Expanding Industry Report. New projects announced…
Bolta marks opening of $49 million Alabama auto parts plant
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Global auto parts supplier Bolta Group today announced the opening of its new $48.7 million production facility at the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park, which will employ 350 people by the end of 2018. State and local officials joined members of Bolta’s global management team at an on-site ceremony today to celebrate…
Alabama’s Arista Aviation wins $111 million State Department contract
ENTERPRISE, Alabama — Arista Aviation Services LLC said today that the U.S. State Department’s Office of Aviation has awarded it a five-year contract with a maximum value of $111 million to perform maintenance on the agency’s UH-1 helicopters. The Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contact for UH-1 Programmed Depot Maintenance extends the work already being done…
Tuscaloosa County auto supplier on track to open high-tech facility
VANCE, Alabama — A Spanish auto supplier is moving forward with a $30 million wheel assembly factory in Tuscaloosa County, a project that will create more than 70 jobs. Truck & Wheel Group plans a 127,000-square-foot, highly automated facility in Vance that will assemble, sequence and balance wheels for delivery to automotive production lines. This…
Altec bucket truck showcased at ‘Made in America’ day at White House
A “Made in America” day highlighting U.S.-made products at the White House today featured a bucket truck assembled by Birmingham-based Altec Industries, which exports its products to more than 100 countries. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation today declaring this as “Made in America” week to celebrate homegrown products from each of the 50 states.…
International Beams to invest $20M in Alabama manufacturing facility
DOTHAN, Alabama — International Beams, a producer of engineered wood products, announced today that it will invest nearly $20 million to open a manufacturing facility near Dothan to produce innovative timber panels and beams using Southern Pine lumber. IB said its project will create 60 full-time jobs on a two-shift operation, with the possibility that…
Blue Origin to invest $200M in Alabama rocket engine production facility
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Blue Origin, the spaceflight company started by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, announced today that it will manufacture its BE-4 engine in a state-of-the art production facility to be built in Alabama’s Rocket City. The new facility will be in Cummings Research Park, the nation’s second-largest research park, and construction can begin once…
GE Aviation orders at Paris Air Show to boost Alabama operations
PARIS – GE Aviation and its partners racked up more than $31 billion in orders and commitments at this week’s Paris Air Show – and the company’s Alabama operations will benefit from the bonanza. The orders and commitments received at the aerospace industry’s largest trade event from more than 30 airlines and airplane leasing companies…
