
HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator launches with first start-up class
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Five innovative start-up companies make up the inaugural class in the HudsonAlpha AgTech Investment Accelerator, a new initiative from the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the global venture and accelerator firm gener8tor. The 12-week accelerator invests $100,000 in five startups at the forefront of the agricultural technology industry. The Huntsville-based accelerator seeks…

Microsoft taps Randolph County to lead digital skills initiative in Alabama
ROANOKE, Alabama — Microsoft Philanthropies is teaming with the Randolph County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) on a program that helps job seekers and professionals gain new skills for in-demand roles in the digital economy. The RCEDA received funding from Microsoft Philanthropies to launch the Community Skills Initiative Alabama Region program. A suite of online training…

Novelis kicks off construction on $2.5 billion Alabama aluminum mill
BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Site work is under way on one of Alabama’s most prominent construction projects — a $2.5 billion aluminum mill being built by Atlanta-based Novelis in Baldwin County that is the first facility of its kind constructed in the U.S. for 40 years. Crews are engaged in earthwork, excavation and piling at…

Mercedes-Benz launches EV production in Alabama as new chapter begins
VANCE, Alabama — Mercedes-Benz has launched production of the all-electric luxury EQS SUV at its Tuscaloosa County plant, part of a global strategy of next-generation technology that is ushering in a new era for Alabama’s auto industry. Mercedes has invested $7 billion in the state since it arrived in the early 1990s, and Alabama workers…

Canfor to invest $210 million in new Alabama sawmill complex
MOBILE, Alabama — Canfor Southern Pine Inc. plans to invest $210 million to develop a new state-of-the-art sawmill complex for manufacturing and processing wood products in the Axis community near Mobile. “We are excited to be making this investment in a new state-of-the-art sawmill complex that will be built with next-generation, innovative technology and transform…

HudsonAlpha teams with Dothan on Wiregrass biotech institute
DOTHAN, Alabama — The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology announced a public-private partnership today with the City of Dothan to create the HudsonAlpha Wiregrass Institute to advance education, agricultural research and economic development through entrepreneurship. Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba said the partnership has the potential to chart a new course for the Wiregrass region’s economy and its…

Market Wagon provides new way for farmers to connect with customers
There’s a new avenue for Alabama farmers to take their products to market, and it’s providing a growing number of residents with fresh, local food. Market Wagon, an Indiana-based company that has expanded into the Birmingham area, connects farmers and other food producers with consumers via an online ordering and delivery service. Mitch Hungerpiller, owner…

O’Neal Manufacturing Services plans steel fab center in Fayette with 70 jobs
FAYETTE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield announced today that O’Neal Manufacturing Services (OMS) plans to invest $5.5 million to open a 130,000-square-foot steel fabrication facility in Fayette as part of a project that will create 70 full-time jobs within three years after operations commence. OMS provides quality carbon steel and aluminum parts for customers…

Auburn University soars as launchpad for aerospace, aviation careers
With highly skilled alumni and innovative research efforts, Auburn University is a key contributor to Alabama’s aerospace and aviation industries. Enrollment has risen significantly in recent years in degree programs related to the sector, including aerospace engineering, aviation management and professional flight. Auburn also has forged multiple partnerships with NASA and the Department of Defense,…

Alabama team uncovers 6 potential projects, new insights at Farnborough
LONDON — Alabama’s business recruitment team wrapped up its mission at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow today with its sights on at least six growth project opportunities and fresh insights into the trends shaping the future of aerospace, aviation and defense. While in London and at Farnborough, the Alabama working team engaged in well over…


