2016 Honda Pilot joins ranks of new Alabama-made autos
LINCOLN, Alabama – Amid the cheers of celebrating workers, Honda launched mass production of its redesigned 2016 Pilot sport utility at the company’s Alabama plant – the latest in a flurry of new or re-engineered models emerging from the state’s automakers. “It’s an exciting day for all of team members in Alabama,” Jeff Tomko, president…
Hyundai marks 10 years of production in Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Exactly 10 years ago today, former President George H.W. Bush took the stage at Hyundai’s new Alabama plant for a splashy grand opening ceremony. Chairman M.K. Chung was on hand for the celebration, along with top state officials. At one point, Korean pop sensation Elec Cookie delivered a rendition of Oh Susanna,…
Honda launches new automated engine assembly line in Alabama
LINCOLN, Alabama – A new $71.4 million engine assembly facility at Honda’s Alabama plant is so advanced that its 250 workers and 92 robots can turn out 1,500 V-6 engines per day, thanks to automated systems that can handle tasks such as assembling and installing pistons. The sophisticated new engine line at Honda’s facility in…
‘Job 1’ marks GLE Coupé launch at Mercedes Alabama plant
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Workers at Mercedes-Benz’s sprawling Alabama assembly plant celebrated “Job 1” today, signaling the start of mass production of the all-new GLE Coupé at the $4.5 billion facility. Mercedes has called 2015 “The Year of the SUV” for the brand, with the launch of the GLE Coupé and a renewal of most of…
Mercedes M-Class gets new name, look at New York Auto Show debut
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – The vehicle that launched Alabama’s auto industry – the Mercedes-Benz M-Class – is getting a new name and a new look that will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. To become known as the GLE, the Alabama-made sport utility vehicle family also is getting a new member: a plug-in…
Lockheed Martin jump starts Alabama expansion, adding 240 jobs
TROY, Alabama — Governor Robert Bentley today announced that Alabama has partnered with Lockheed Martin to add an additional 240 employees by 2020 at the company’s Pike County Operations facility in Troy. “Lockheed Martin has been a strong employer in Pike County for 20 years, and today we celebrate the announcement of an enhanced partnership that…
Golden State Foods to invest $40 million in Opelika meat plant
OPELIKA, Alabama — California-based Golden State Foods plans to invest between $40 million and $45 million to open a state-of-the art meat processing facility in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, creating 173 jobs. “After careful consideration, we selected Opelika as the site for our new facility based on the strategic location along I-85, the available…
Canada’s Carlson expanding to Alabama, creating 75 jobs
ANNISTON, Alabama – The Calhoun County Economic Development Council announced Monday that Carlson Engineered Composites USA Inc., a Canadian firm that manufactures fiberglass components, plans to expand its operations to Anniston. The project represents a capital investment of $3 million and will create 75 new jobs in Calhoun County. The company will be locating in…
Alabama-made Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé to battle ‘Jurassic World’ dinosaurs
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Mercedes-Benz’s newest Alabama-made vehicle, the GLE Coupé, will race through the jungles of “Jurassic World,” the highly anticipated next installment of the blockbuster dinosaur movie series that previously featured the automaker’s first Alabama-made automobile. The GLE Coupé, which will enter mass production at the company’s Tuscaloosa County plant this year, is among several Mercedes vehicles…
Honda debuts redesigned Alabama-made Pilot at Chicago Auto Show
CHICAGO – Honda showed off its redesigned Alabama-made Pilot family SUV this morning at the Chicago Auto Show. Entering its third generation, the Pilot has received a complete makeover. Honda said the 2016 model has been totally re-engineered and redesigned to offer new technology, advanced safety features, class-leading fuel economy and enhanced utility. “The new…
