News
Alabama opens new business development office in Seoul to strengthen ties with South Korea
SEOUL, South Korea — The Alabama Department of Commerce today celebrated an expansion of its international footprint with the opening of a new business development office in Seoul, South Korea, strengthening the state’s global trade and investment network in one of its most vital economic partner nations. Commerce selected Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) — South Korea’s…
Alabama expands global reach with new business development office in Tokyo
TOKYO, Japan — During the 47th annual Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS-Japan) Joint Meeting in Tokyo, the Alabama Department of Commerce today celebrated the opening of a new business development office in Japan, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the state’s economic relationship with one of its most valued international partners. The Tokyo-based office, staffed…
Fratco breaks ground on Fort Payne pipe plant, creating 60 jobs
FORT PAYNE, Alabama — Fratco, a century-old leader in corrugated plastic pipe manufacturing, has officially broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art production facility in Fort Payne. The company’s expansion into Alabama represents a major investment in the region’s industrial base and will create approximately 60 new jobs in manufacturing, logistics and administration. The Fort Payne location…
Alabama delegation heads to SEUS-Japan meeting in Tokyo to strengthen partnership
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair is leading an Alabama delegation that includes state legislators and community leaders to an international conference in Tokyo that seeks to strengthen the long-standing economic and cultural ties between seven Southeastern states and Japan. The conference, taking place next Tuesday and Wednesday, brings together senior business and government…
Commerce announces Alabama business development offices in Japan and South Korea
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce announced today that it has engaged two internationally respected advisory firms to represent the state’s economic development interests in Japan and the Republic of Korea, further strengthening efforts to attract foreign direct investment, expand export opportunities and build enduring business partnerships in key global markets. Foreign business development offices in Tokyo and Seoul will serve…
Fast-growing AI tax software firm SmartWiz to add 66 high-paying jobs in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that SmartWiz, a rapidly growing tax software technology company using advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the work of tax professionals, is expanding its operations in Birmingham with plans to create 66 high-paying jobs. Founded in 2021 in Birmingham by a team of tech entrepreneurs and tax…
Alabama team kicks off trade mission to Australia to strengthen business ties
SYDNEY, Australia — The Alabama Department of Commerce is leading a trade mission to Australia this week, bringing together a delegation of six Alabama companies and key state economic development partners to expand international connections and identify new business opportunities in a rapidly growing market. During the mission, the delegation will engage in scheduled business-to-business meetings,…
Alabama expands aviation training to meet soaring industry demand
OPELIKA, Alabama — Southern Union State Community College celebrated a significant milestone as the first class of its Aviation Maintenance Technology program graduated, marking another step forward in Alabama’s ongoing effort to strengthen the talent pipeline for the aerospace and aviation industries. Nineteen Southern Union students recently completed the two-year program, making them eligible to…
Gov. Ivey announces launch of Alabama Department of Workforce to transform state’s economic future
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey today announced the launch of the Alabama Department of Workforce (ADOW), a milestone that marks the most comprehensive transformation of workforce efforts in state history. The new department was officially unveiled during a kickoff event on the steps of the Alabama State Capitol, bringing together industry leaders, education partners, government officials…
Airbus inaugurates new A320 Final Assembly Line at Mobile facility
MOBILE, Alabama — Airbus on Monday celebrated the inauguration of its new A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) at its campus in the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, marking a major expansion of the company’s U.S. manufacturing presence and a milestone moment for Alabama’s aerospace industry. The new A320 FAL represents the latest step in Airbus’ long-term commitment…