News
Alabama trade mission seeks opportunities in Southeastern Europe
BUCHAREST, Romania — Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield is leading a team of state business leaders on a trade mission this week to Romania and Bulgaria, countries that offer new markets in Southeastern Europe and a potential gateway to opportunities in other regions. The multi-sector trade and business development mission kicks off today in Bucharest,…
Robotics Technology Park gets new leader to direct strategic upgrades
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce and AIDT announced today that Chuck Ernst, a former Honda manufacturing executive, has been appointed to lead Alabama Robotics Technology Park (RTP) as it embarks on a strategic plan to prepare the training facility for new technologies and additional capabilities. The goal of the “RTP 2.0” initiative…
Alabama jumps to No. 3 in ranking of ‘Top States for Business’
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Area Development, a national publication, ranked Alabama No. 3 in its 2018 “Top States for Business” survey and gave the state a shout-out for improved economic development policies. Alabama’s overall ranking in the Area Development survey improved three spots from 2017 and 2016. The state has placed in Top 10 of the…
Airbus kicks off construction on Flight Works Alabama education center
MOBILE, Alabama – Flight Works Alabama, a new aviation experience center near Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Mobile, is ready to begin its take off. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey joined Airbus executives, city and county leaders from Mobile, and industry and educational partners in breaking ground today for the hands-on instructional facility. In May 2017, Ivey announced…
Global Trade: Alabama ranks as top state for manufacturing
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Global Trade, a publication focusing on international business, has selected Alabama as the nation’s top state for manufacturing in a new ranking. Global Trade cited the growth of Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry and its leadership position in aerospace production, as well as job training provided by AIDT, the state’s primary workforce development…
Continental Motors embarks on $75 million Alabama factory project
MOBILE, Alabama – A $75 million project to transform Continental Motors’ aircraft-engine manufacturing operations at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley is taking off. On Thursday, the company hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its “Blue Marlin” project, which involves the construction of an advanced manufacturing facility for the production of piston and turbine engines for light…
Briggs & Stratton to open Alabama distribution hub, creating 20 jobs
AUBURN, Alabama — Briggs & Stratton Corp. announced plans today to open a 400,000-square-foot distribution center in Alabama, adding 20 new jobs to its significant manufacturing presence in Auburn. The new Alabama distribution hub, focusing on Briggs & Stratton engines and other products, will allow the company to reduce delivery times to its customers in…
Walmart opens $135 million distribution center in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama – Walmart on Tuesday officially marked the opening of a $135 million distribution center in Mobile that will create 750 jobs and strengthen the retailer’s supply chain network. During a grand opening ceremony, Governor Kay Ivey highlighted how the new facility will contribute to economic growth in the region while providing career opportunities…
2 firms form artificial intelligence joint venture in Florence
FLORENCE, Alabama — Nevada-based Sierra Artificial Neural Networks announced plans today to locate its headquarters in Florence and form a joint development partnership with IPWatch Systems Corp. to advance artificial intelligence products. Sierra Artificial Neural Networks said the Florence area represents an ideal location for the firm to pursue application creation and ongoing development. The…
Honda Alabama opens new logistics buildings in $85 million project
LINCOLN, Alabama – Honda Manufacturing of Alabama today marked the official opening of its new logistics buildings, an $85 million project that further deepens the automaker’s roots in Talladega County, as well as its significant imprint on the state’s economy. The new facilities add nearly 400,000 square feet to Honda’s existing 4.2 million-square-foot factory in Lincoln,…