News
BAMA task force targets PPE production for COVID-19 crisis and beyond
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield says the state’s business community has stepped up during the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting output to produce badly needed personal protective equipment and medical gear for health care workers and ordinary citizens. While most of these moves have been temporary, Secretary Canfield glimpses a potential opening for Alabama to become…
Alabama PPE-maker Eastern Technologies ramps up in COVID-19 battle
A company in Alabama’s Wiregrass region is helping to fight the COVID-19 pandemic across the U.S. and in hard-hit regions around the world. Ashford-based Eastern Technologies Inc., a manufacturer of personal protective equipment serving a wide range of industries, provided coveralls that were used by hospitals and response groups in the early stages of the…
Warrior Met Coal plans Walker County barge facility amid major expansion
JASPER, Alabama – Warrior Met Coal Inc. plans to invest $50 million to construct a barge load-out facility in Walker County to support its expanding metallurgical coal mining operation near Tuscaloosa, a project that will add 12 new high-paying jobs. Warrior Met Coal is the state’s largest producer of met coal, used as a key…
Alabama researchers energize efforts to aid search for COVID-19 therapies
Alabama’s bioscience researchers and organizations have mobilized to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to advance urgent work that could lead to new treatments and vaccines. This includes Birmingham-based TriAltus Bioscience LLC, which developed protein purification technology to support research into a new COVID-19 vaccine under development at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in Portland,…
Alabama connections run strong in NASA picks for moon lander systems
NASA today selected three U.S. companies to design and develop a human landing system for its return mission to the Moon – and the program stands to have a strong Alabama connection. “With these contract awards, America is moving forward with the final step needed to land astronauts on the Moon by 2024, including the incredible moment when we will see the first woman set foot on the lunar surface,” said NASA Administrator…
Gov. Ivey: New investment across Alabama topped $7 billion in 2019
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that economic development activity across Alabama last year generated $7.1 billion in pledged capital investment and 13,454 job commitments, providing a potential spark for economic revival once the shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic ease. Governor Ivey said the results include strategic investments that reflect long-term growth plans…
Mercedes resumes production in Alabama with new safety measures
VANCE, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz is beginning to gradually ramp up production at its Alabama manufacturing plant after adopting robust safety measures to protect workers amid the COVID-19 outbreak. Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), as its Alabama operation is known, said operations began Monday with one shift. In coming weeks, the plant will be staffed with additional…
After shift to face masks, Cullman’s HomTex makes long-term PPE plans
CULLMAN, Alabama – In less than a month, HomTex Inc., a manufacturer of bed linens and other items, has shifted its focus from traditional products to making cotton face masks for businesses and individuals coping with the threat of coronavirus. Today, the family owned company plans a major investment at its facilities in Cullman County…
For Calagaz Printing, it’s 153,000 protective face shields and counting
MOBILE, Alabama – A South Alabama printing company is helping frontline healthcare workers at home and across the U.S. fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile-based Calagaz Printing Inc. had produced about 153,000 protective face shields as of Wednesday, the result of collaborating with local hospitals and shifting its operations to meet a crucial need. Production is…
Birmingham firm provides high-tech helping hand to companies in COVID-19 crisis
During the COVID-19 outbreak, many companies are wrestling with the challenges of travel bans and social distancing practices, but one Birmingham firm is offering a way to keep business operations going through mobile augmented reality technology. Help Lightning’s high-tech solution allows technicians to remotely guide on-site equipment repairs and perform other mission-critical tasks for customers…