News
Alabama Launchpad funds 4 startups, honors innovation (update)
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — With Alabama Innovation Week starting Monday, Alabama Launchpad kicked off the celebration a little early with the finale of its latest round of competition. On Thursday, Alabama Launchpad awarded $240,000 to four start-up companies participating in its state-wide entrepreneur competition. The program, established by Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA), works to…
‘Alabama the Beautiful’ filmmaker documents artisan movement in Sidewalk premiere
Premiering at the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival this Saturday, the documentary “Alabama the Beautiful” showcases six Alabama artisans, offering a glimpse into the revival of Southern makers that’s bringing creativity to cities and small towns across the state. The film’s director, 22-year-old Corey Carpenter, found inspiration in his subjects’ stories. “All of these people absolutely…
Sidewalk Film Festival shines national spotlight on Alabama
One of the coolest film festivals in the world takes place right here in Alabama. The Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, starting Friday and running through the weekend, earned this distinction last year from MovieMaker magazine, and this is not the first time the festival has gained national attention. Time magazine listed Sidewalk among the best…
Alabama Launchpad seeks next generation of innovators in competition finale
Even Alabama’s largest companies first began with an idea, and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) is searching for the next great one. Through Alabama Launchpad, a premier entrepreneur competition, the EDPA seeks to fund the next generation of Alabama innovators in hopes of launching the next great homegrown company. Its most recent cycle…
Mercedes supplier SMP to open $150 million Alabama facility, creating 650 jobs
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz supplier Samvardhana Motherson Group plans to open a $150 million manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa County, creating 650 jobs by the fourth year of operation, officials announced today. The new venture, called SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc., will manufacture various exterior and interior components for future models produced at the Mercedes assembly…
Russellville rocket team sets sights on NASA Student Launch program
A student team from Russellville is aiming for even loftier goals after winning a major U.S. rocketry competition and then a high-profile international contest at this summer’s Paris Air Show. The RCS Engineering Team, made up of seven middle and high school students from Franklin County, plans to follow its triumph in Paris by participating…
Auto supplier Kamtek to invest $530 million in Alabama expansion, creating 350 jobs
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Auto supplier Kamtek announced plans today to invest $530 million in an expansion of its Alabama operation that includes opening a new aluminum casting facility to meet automaker demands for lighter parts. Kamtek, whose parent company is Canada-based Magna International, says the expansion project in Birmingham will add 354 jobs to its…
Hyundai’s Alabama economic impact: $4.82 billion in 2014
Hyundai’s Alabama auto assembly plant and its supplier network generated a total impact approaching $5 billion in 2014 while also accounting for more than 12,600 direct jobs across the state, according to an analysis released today. The new study by M. Keivan Deravi, dean of the College of Public Policy and Justice at Auburn University…
NASA Marshall robot will build biggest composite rocket parts
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – A giant robot at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is helping the agency build the largest lightweight composite parts ever produced for space vehicles. The robot’s work at the Alabama facility may prove pivotal in NASA’s new Space Launch System, designed to be the most powerful rocket ever built, capable to taking…
European space company RUAG to launch Alabama manufacturing operation
DECATUR, Alabama – Switzerland-based RUAG announced today that it will launch an Alabama manufacturing operation after forming a strategic partnership with United Launch Alliance, which produces rockets at a factory in Decatur. RUAG, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of products for the space industry, said the new Alabama operation will produce carbon-fiber components for ULA’s…