News
Innovation Fund joins Auburn to support development of OraSecure saliva collection device for COVID testing
AUBURN, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce and the City of Auburn’s Industrial Development Board have teamed to award $250,000 in funding to accelerate the development of OraSecure LLC’s breakthrough patent-pending saliva collection device intended to help in the ongoing battle against the novel coronavirus. The support will help OraSecure finalize the initial manufacturing…
Alabama Office of Apprenticeship plans for growth with fresh funding
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Alabama’s apprenticeship effort is primed for additional growth after the U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday awarded the state a $450,000 grant to expand registered apprenticeship programs. The funding will allow the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship to enhance its activities in working with employers to develop skilled workers in many industries across…
Auburn’s SiO2 plans $163M expansion to ramp up production of vaccine vials
AUBURN, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that SiO2 Materials Science plans to invest $163 million in an expansion at its Auburn facility after securing a major contract to supply the federal government with vials to support the COVID-19 vaccine effort. The project will create 220 jobs. The expansion will allow SiO2 to increase…
South Alabama manufacturers switch gears to aid health care workers
Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of South Alabama’s largest industrial employers swung into action, adjusting their manufacturing efforts to produce medical supplies for local hospitals, health care centers, and first responders. Wendy Bedsole, executive director of the Medical Society of Mobile County, sent out a call to action to local industry in the early…
Macon County organic farmer cultivates ambitions with ag startup
TUSKEGEE, Alabama – A startup, minority-owned organic farm in Macon County is expanding its crops and customer base, fueled by an ambitious vision to carry on the region’s rich history of agricultural innovation. Lifetime Natural Organic Farm, which includes about 25 acres of raised-bed bio-intensive organic vegetables, this year invested an additional $500,000 to increase…
Alabama Launchpad funding fuels growth plans for tech startup MOXIE
The founders of MOXIE, which specializes in cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for industrial companies, say the Birmingham startup is preparing for growth after securing funding in an Alabama Launchpad competition. MOXIE earned a $100,000 seed-stage award in Launchpad’s recent 2020 Cycle 2 contest, sponsored by the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA). The…
One-of-a-kind culinary science center rising on Auburn University campus
AUBURN, Alabama – Construction is moving forward on a groundbreaking building on Auburn University’s campus that will become home to a learning environment that blends a luxury boutique hotel, restaurant and food hall. Located at the corner of East Thach Avenue and South College Street in downtown Auburn, the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science…
Cullman’s JELCO adds new dimension with health care PPE production
CULLMAN, Alabama – JELCO, a Cullman manufacturer that typically produces fall-protection gear for utility workers, is expanding its workforce and adding equipment as it ventures into a new product line – personal protective equipment for health care workers. Philip Clemmons, president and CEO of JELCO, said the move stems from his desire to make a…
Alabama automakers adopt COVID-19 safety measures as production ramps up
Alabama automakers have been ramping up production following the COVID-19 outbreak, with strict new protocols in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes-Benz all are implementing similar measures as employees return to work, including temperature checks, staggered shifts, frequent sanitizing and additional protective gear. The restart of operations at…
5 ways Alabama is making a difference in the battle against COVID-19
The coronavirus crisis has brought unimagined challenges, but businesses across Alabama have answered the call to help health care workers and their communities through these difficult times. Alabama businesses, from large-scale manufacturers to small family-owned enterprises, have shown a willingness to go the extra mile to provide assistance during this unprecedented public health emergency. As…