News
Austal to add over 1,000 jobs with expansion of Mobile shipyard
MOBILE, Alabama — Austal USA announced plans today to expand its Mobile shipyard with the construction of an additional waterfront assembly facility to support the growth of shipbuilding in Alabama’s Port City. The expansion project, fueled by a capital investment of more than $288 million, is set to create 1,032 new jobs over the next…
Governor Ivey celebrates Alabama manufacturers on ‘Made in the USA’ Day
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey praised Alabama’s robust manufacturing sector today in honor of “Made in the USA Day,” highlighting its role in driving economic growth statewide through high-quality jobs and products in demand worldwide. Governor Ivey emphasized Alabama’s status as a powerhouse in U.S. manufacturing, ranking in the top 5 states for manufacturing…
Shape Corp. celebrates opening of second Alabama production facility
TANNER, Alabama — Shape Corp., a global Tier 1 automotive supplier, officially opened its second Alabama production facility today after completing a $74 million growth project that will create over 100 jobs in the coming year. Michigan-based Shape, which opened a plant in nearby Athens in 2016, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning at the…
Second round of SEEDS grants becoming available for site development
Communities across Alabama will soon have an opportunity to apply for state grants that could help them develop industrial sites capable of competing for high-impact economic development projects — and the jobs that come with them. The new Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) Act has already been a success, with the first round…
Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator launches as ‘game-changer’
The Central Alabama Redevelopment Alliance (CARA) announced the launch of the Jefferson County Micro Business Accelerator, an innovative initiative designed to propel small businesses towards growth and long-term success. The program, made available through the collaboration of area chambers of commerce and economic development organizations, aims to revolutionize the trajectory of micro businesses across Jefferson…
Auto parts maker Samkee Corp. opens first U.S. factory in Tuskegee
TUSKEGEE, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair joined officials of Samkee Corp. and local leaders today to mark the opening of the auto parts maker’s new production facility in Tuskegee Commerce Park. South Korea-based Samkee invested $128 million to build its first U.S. factory, which will employ over 170 people at full operation while providing…
Commerce’s ‘Made in Alabama’ website gets update with new tools
To raise awareness of the many advances taking place across the state, the Alabama Department of Commerce today launched a new version of its “Made in Alabama” website that showcases the state’s contributions to fields such as space exploration, bioscience, advanced manufacturing and mobility technologies. The updated site’s sleek, clean design is meant to convey…
Economic development magazine taps Alabama for its Silver Shovel Award
National business publication Area Development has selected Alabama for its Silver Shovel Award in recognition of major economic development project wins during 2023. “Being awarded the Silver Shovel Award is a strong testament to Alabama’s pro-business environment and to the capabilities of our workers, who can rise to meet any challenge,” Governor Kay Ivey said.…
Coca-Cola UNITED celebrates start of $330 million Alabama growth project
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inc. (UNITED) today hosted a ceremony to commemorate the groundbreaking of its new facility in Birmingham’s Kingston community as part of a $330 million investment project that will create 50 jobs. At the event, Coca-Cola UNITED President and CEO Mike Suco reflected on the rich history and longevity…
Tech startup CModel Data relocating HQ from San Francisco to Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced today that CModel Data Inc., whose proprietary software helps businesses operate more efficiently, is relocating its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham, where it plans to create 80 jobs as it grows its operations. The technology startup developed its AI-powered CORA program to provide insights and recommendations…