News
Commerce’s Lockhart retires after 24 years of helping Alabama firms go global
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Hilda Lockhart, the international business expert who helped countless Alabama companies explore new markets and opportunities in every corner of the globe, is retiring from her position at the Alabama Department of Commerce. For the past 24 years, Lockhart has served as director of Commerce’s Office of International Trade, which is responsible…
Airbus Alabama facility in line to build tanker aircraft with Lockheed Martin
MOBILE, Alabama — The Airbus manufacturing facility in Mobile is poised for potential growth thanks to plans announced today by the aerospace company and Lockheed Martin to collaborate on a refueling tanker aircraft if the partners win an Air Force competition. Outlined today at a press conference at its Alabama facility, Airbus said it would…
Dura opens high-tech factory in Muscle Shoals for EV battery enclosures
MUSCLE SHOALS, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey joined officials with Dura Automotive Systems today to celebrate the formal unveiling of the company’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals, which will produce electric vehicle battery enclosures. The 200,000-square-foot facility is expected to employ more than 270 full-time workers at peak production, with an estimated investment…
Mazda Toyota Manufacturing marks production launch of Mazda CX-50
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Mazda Toyota Manufacturing today marked the start of mass production of the all-new Mazda CX-50 sport utility at the joint venture assembly plant in Alabama, with cheers from the plant’s workforce. The launch ceremony featured guests and high-ranking Mazda executives, including Mazda North American Operations President and CEO Jeff Guyton. MTM said…
Alabama automakers gear up for new milestones in 2022
Alabama’s automakers are eyeing growth on many fronts in 2022, with plans for new models, additional employees and advanced technology that will help usher in the next era of vehicle manufacturing in the state. Mazda Toyota Manufacturing will continue to ramp up its auto assembly operations in Huntsville, following a year that saw the debut…
Fetch Rewards to create 200 jobs at new Alabama office and support hub
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Fetch Rewards, the nation’s fastest-growing consumer rewards app, plans to open an office facility and customer service hub in Birmingham, where it will create 200 full-time jobs. The project, which involves an investment totaling $1 million, reflects the Madison, Wisconsin-based company’s rapid growth trajectory as it…
Publication names Landing HQ recruitment its Startup ‘Deal of the Year’
Business Facilities, a national publication focusing on economic development, has selected Alabama’s recruitment of Landing’s headquarters relocation project as one of its “Deals of the Year” in a new ranking. Landing, a company building a nationwide network of fully furnished apartments available in a membership model, announced plans in June 2021 to move its headquarters…
HarbisonWalker to invest $25 million to restart Alabama plant with 50 workers
FAIRFIELD, Alabama — Pennsylvania-based HarbisonWalker International announced plans today to invest $25 million to convert its closed property near Birmingham into “Alabama One,” an advanced refractories manufacturing hub for steelmakers in the Southeast. Construction on the AL 1 facility in Fairfield during the first quarter of 2022, and the 200,000-square-foot facility at 2595 Ensley-Pleasant Grove…
Manufacture Alabama honors Canfield with ‘Friend of Industry’ award
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Manufacture Alabama, a trade association representing manufacturers across the state, honored Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield with its first “Friend of the Industry” award on Tuesday. Manufacture Alabama created the award to recognize public officials, community leaders, and industry representatives for outstanding work that benefits all aspects of the needs of manufacturers.…
FGP Holding, maker of Frios pops, plans $20 million expansion in Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama – Mobile-based FGP Holding, which owns Frios Gourmet Pops and FGP Manufacturing LLC, announced plans today for a rapid expansion and production ramp-up along with a move into the former Crown Products facility at 3107 Halls Mill Road in Alabama’s “Port City.” The project features a capital investment of more than $20 million and is expected…