News
Analysis ranks Alabama among top states for economic momentum amid recovery
Alabama ranks among the top states for economic momentum in a new analysis that evaluates key measurements of economic performance in 2021. State Policy Reports, a Washington, D.C.-based publication, ranked Alabama No. 8 in its Index of State Economic Momentum for the first quarter. The state’s score was 1.31, compared to a national average of…
New logistics projects coming to Mobile, Baldwin counties
LOXLEY, Alabama – To fuel its growth plans in Gulf Coast region, Imperial Dade, a distributor of food service packaging and janitorial supplies, is planning a move into a new 220,000-square-foot logistics hub in Baldwin Count. The $20 million project, announced today, will support the company’s expanding customer base and its continued growth along the…
Hyundai debuts new Santa Cruz ahead of Alabama production launch
Hyundai’s newest production model — the highly anticipated 2022 Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle — made its worldwide debut today as the automaker’s Alabama plant readies to launch its assembly. The Santa Cruz, which combines the versatile open bed of a pickup with the attributes of an SUV, made its first appearance in 2015 as…
Bonnie Plants plans greenhouse projects, e-commerce upgrades in Alabama
UNION SPRINGS, Alabama — Bonnie Plants, the nation’s largest grower of vegetable and herb plants for home gardens, announced plans today to upgrade and expand its greenhouse facilities in Bullock County with a multimillion-dollar project that will improve production and strengthen its e-commerce operations. “This new operation will be one of the most state-of-the-art facilities…
New accelerator programs launching for North Alabama tech startups
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Technology startups in North Alabama have a new resource to speed their growth trajectory, thanks to a partnership announced today between national startup accelerator gener8tor and the MidCity Accelerator Foundation Inc. Starting in mid-2021, four annual programs for entrepreneurs will be offered through this collaboration. The programs include three annual gBETA “pre-accelerator”…
Economic development report card shows $4.8 billion in 2020 investment
MONTGOMERY — Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, economic development activity across Alabama in 2020 generated close to $5 billion in new capital investment and almost 10,000 job commitments, Governor Kay Ivey announced today. With significant growth projects recorded in key strategic industrial sectors, Governor Ivey said the activity will strengthen the foundations…
Alabama-grown: Chilton County farmer cultivates her dream
THORSBY, Alabama – Taylor Boozer Hatchett didn’t grow up on a farm, but she has a passion for tending the land and sharing its bounty like many who did. Her father, Bobby Boozer, worked with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University and spent his 26-year career helping farmers throughout the state, particularly fruit…
Austal USA’s Alabama shipyard eyes production of steel ships
MOBILE, Alabama — Austal USA, a maker of aluminum vessels for the U.S. government, started construction Friday on a steel manufacturing line that positions the company to start steel production in April 2022. Austal USA said the addition of steel capability ensures that it will remain a major contributor to the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base.…
Chart Industries plans Alabama growth project, creating 94 jobs
MOBILE, Alabama — Georgia-based Chart Industries, a leading maker of equipment used in the clean energy and industrial gas markets, plans a $2.5 million investment in an expansion project that will create 94 jobs at its Alabama facility, according to the Mobile Area Chamber. The project is expected to more than double the manufacturing capacity…
Coca-Cola UNITED announces $48 million expansion at Mobile facility
MOBILE, Alabama — Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED plans to invest $48 million in its Mobile campus to grow its business along the Gulf Coast with a project to expand its existing warehouse, optimize distribution operations and install a state-of-the-art warehousing system. “With this larger and more innovative facility, we will create an enhanced working environment…