Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield: Mercedes-Benz launched new era for Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Twenty years ago, on Sept. 30, 1993, Mercedes-Benz announced plans to build its first U.S. factory in Vance, Ala. In just two decades, Alabama has transformed from a state with virtually no experience in auto production into the country’s fourth largest auto producer, churning out nearly 900,000 vehicles a year. Mercedes has done…
Mercedes-Benz set foundation for Alabama auto industry growth
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – The three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz is still casting a glow over Alabama 20 years after the global automotive giant picked the state for its first U.S. passenger car factory. Mercedes’ decision, announced in Tuscaloosa on Sept. 30, 1993, represents the moment the foundation was laid for an auto industry that continues to…
Alabama used teamwork, training and trust to win landmark Mercedes-Benz plant
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama’s pursuit of Mercedes-Benz’s first U.S. auto plant featured code names, clandestine meetings and plenty of behind-the-scenes drama, but it was teamwork, training and trust that landed the groundbreaking project, according to leaders who were involved in the recruitment. Next week, Mercedes and Alabama will celebrate 20 years since the company announced…
Auto supplier Bolta Werke will create more than 350 jobs at new Tuscaloosa plant
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Governor Robert Bentley said today that Bolta Werke GmbH, a member of the Purico Group, will build its first U.S. production facility in Tuscaloosa, expanding the state’s vast network of auto suppliers serving major assembly plants in the region. During a news conference in Tuscaloosa today, Bolta and Purico said they will…
Alabama scores high in Business Facilities ranking as ‘rising automotive powerhouse’
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Expanding production in Alabama’s auto industry means the state is “coming on strong as a rising automotive powerhouse,” according to a new Business Facilities ranking. The publication, which targets site consultants and economic developers, ranked Alabama No. 2 in its annual state Automotive Manufacturing Strength ranking, up from No. 7 in the…
Airbus Americas Chairman: Why Airbus chose Alabama for A320 assembly line
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — In a column for CNBC’s web site, Allan McArtor, chairman of Airbus Americas, explains why Airbus chose Alabama as the home for its most advanced A320 assembly line – a project he calls the “most significant, game-changing event in U.S. aerospace in decades.” While McArtor points to several factors that made Alabama…
Supplier Donghee America to open $48 million Auburn manufacturing plant
AUBURN, Alabama – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley said today that auto supplier Donghee America Inc. plans to invest $48 million to open an Auburn manufacturing plant, creating 80 jobs. “Alabama has a strong workforce and a positive business climate, and that helps us recruit well-paying jobs for the people of this state,” Governor Bentley said.…
DAS North America project means 300 new jobs in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – DAS North America’s turning of the dirt here today was more than a groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s new 300,000-square-foot facility. Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange said the project is a testament to the growing automotive industry in Alabama, which may soon be ranked fourth in the nation for annual production of automobiles. Governor…
Toyota investing $150 million on Alabama engine plant upgrades
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America Inc. said today it is investing $150 million to boost machining capacity and the production of V-6 engine parts at its Alabama engine plant. “Toyota Alabama continues to play a key role in our efforts to build engines in the region for our loyal customers,”…
Futuristic Raytheon Alabama factory makes missiles with robots
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – In the futuristic Raytheon Alabama factory, robotic vehicles glide silently across gleaming plant floors, transporting nose cones and other missile parts to the precise spots where they are needed for assembly. The $75 million Raytheon Redstone Missile Integration Facility in Huntsville, however, is not simply a marvel of technological design. The 70,000-square-foot…
