News
State debuts unified workforce system, AlabamaWorks
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Alabama business, education and workforce training leaders unveiled a new system called “AlabamaWorks” that will seamlessly link employers looking for skilled workers with residents seeking jobs or job training. The AlabamaWorks program aims to set a new standard in workforce development efforts, said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce,…
BASF to expand capacity at Alabama plant
MCINTOSH, Alabama – German chemical manufacturer BASF plans to spend more than $200 million to boost its worldwide plastic additives business, with a portion of the investment slated for the company’s plant in southwestern Alabama. At the Washington County facility in McIntosh, BASF will expand production capacity in a move that is expected to strengthen…
Universities partner with NASA to boost space exploration
The University of Alabama and Auburn University are collaborating with NASA on future technologies that could aid space exploration. Officials from both universities and representatives of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville signed new Space Act Agreements to kick off the partnerships. Under an agreement signed Thursday, University of Alabama students will work to…
HudsonAlpha acts as catalyst for Alabama bioscience growth
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – From world-class researchers to worried parents, people across all walks of life are finding answers at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology. Set on 152 acres in Huntsville’s Cummings Research Park, the nonprofit institute is a pillar of Alabama’s biotech industry and beyond that, a global leader in genetics and genomic technology. HudsonAlpha brings…
MöllerTech project shows momentum for rural development (video)
WOODSTOCK, Alabama – Global auto supplier MöllerTech on Tuesday officially launched work on a $46.3 million manufacturing facility near this tiny Bibb County community, a project that will create more than 220 jobs and spur growth in this rural region. MöllerTech’s selection of the Bibb County site also shows that Alabama’s rural areas are now…
Alabama earns Top 10 spot in State Business Climate rankings
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Site Selection, an economic development-focused publication, ranked Alabama in the Top 10 in its annual State Business Climate survey, based largely on feedback from corporate real estate executives and project activity. Alabama placed No. 9 in the magazine’s overall 2016 State Business Climate rankings, and No. 8 in the survey of corporate site…
Analysis: Boeing Alabama impact reaches $2.3 billion
Boeing Co.’s impact on the Alabama economy totals $2.3 billion a year, according to a new analysis that highlights how the aerospace giant supports a highly skilled, technical workforce in the state. The University of Alabama study found that Boeing’s presence in the state sustains nearly 8,400 direct and indirect jobs across Alabama. It also…
CEO: Polaris Alabama project ‘transformational’ for company
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama —At a ceremony marking the grand opening of Polaris Industries’ new Alabama manufacturing facility today, CEO Scott Wine called the investment in the new Huntsville production center “transformational” for the company. Minnesota-based Polaris announced plans for the sprawling Alabama plant early last year and launched Alabama production of its Ranger off-road vehicles and…
Pizitz project providing lift to Birmingham tech community
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – A new downtown Birmingham development that mixes residential and office space with innovative food offerings and a community gathering spot is poised to become another boost for the city’s thriving tech sector. Bayer Properties’ $66 million redevelopment of the historic Pizitz department store is in its final stages, with the first residents…
McLane Dothan to invest $17M in distribution expansion
DOTHAN, Alabama — McLane Dothan, part of the grocery division of McLane Co., announced today that the Houston County Commission approved agreements to support an expansion that will create 50 jobs. “Investing in the communities in which we operate is integral to our success, so we we’re thrilled to hear that support of our expansion…