News
New business incubators to spark innovation across Alabama
Alabama universities are providing new launch pads for entrepreneurs and their innovative business ideas across the state. Several new incubators have opened or are in the works, and all of the projects have the potential to help spin out new jobs and investment for local communities. At the University of Alabama, the Technology Villages program…
GE Aviation readies unique materials factories in Alabama
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – GE Aviation said today that initial personnel and special processing equipment are in place at a new $200 million factory complex in Alabama that will be America’s first production center for unique materials used to manufacture ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). CMCs are poised to revolutionize aerospace manufacturing because of their ultra-lightweight properties…
Briggs & Stratton to invest $12 million in Alabama expansion, creating 50 jobs
AUBURN, Alabama – Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton Corp. plans to begin production of Vanguard big block V-twin engines at its Auburn location in 2018, ultimately creating approximately 50 new jobs for the area. The project involves a $12 million investment from the company. “Briggs & Stratton is a valuable, longtime…
Royal Technologies kicks off $14 million, 25-job expansion in Cullman
CULLMAN, Alabama – Royal Technologies Corp. today announced a $14 million expansion of its Cullman manufacturing operation, a project that will create 25 jobs. The company produces polymer products, primarily plastic and foam, for the automotive, furniture and consumer goods industries. The 176,000-square-foot expansion will allow for the addition of plastic injection molding lines. “When…
Aerojet Rocketdyne launches expansion project in Alabama’s Rocket City
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Aerojet Rocketdyne officially launched work today on a new 136,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville, reinforcing the status of Alabama’s “Rocket City” as a major center for innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors. At a groundbreaking today, Aerojet Rocketdyne President and CEO Eileen Drake said the company’s expansion plans will bring…
Alabama leaders seek to strengthen bonds at SEUS Japan 40
GREENVILLE, South Carolina – Business leaders from across Alabama are participating in an international conference that seeks to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the Southeastern U.S. and the country of Japan. The 40th Annual Joint Meeting of the Southeast U.S.-Japan & Japan-U.S. Southeast Associations, known as SEUS Japan 40, is being held in Greenville,…
SSAB to move U.S. headquarters to Alabama, creating 60 jobs
MOBILE, Alabama – SSAB Americas, a division of global steelmaker SSAB, announced plans this morning to relocate the division’s head office from suburban Chicago to Mobile, a move that will bring 60 jobs to Alabama. Since 2001, the company has operated a steel mill in nearby Axis, which employs nearly 600 workers and produces more…
Airbus to add Bombardier C-Series jet production line in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama — Airbus and Canadian aircraft producer Bombardier announced a partnership today that will bring assembly of Bombardier’s C Series passenger jets to the Airbus manufacturing facility in Mobile. The companies said the alliance will result in a second assembly line at the Airbus facility, though the late afternoon announcement didn’t contain specific details…
Alabama universities plug into industry with auto research projects
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama isn’t only a major center for auto manufacturing, it’s also a growing hub for research and development projects that drive future industry technologies. At the University of Alabama, the Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies offers interdisciplinary education, as well as research projects to prepare the next generation of automotive engineers. The…
Alabama community colleges to offer manufacturing credentials
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) will begin offering nationally recognized credentials in manufacturing skills at all its colleges this spring. The program, in partnership with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), will make Alabama the first state in the nation to offer the industry credentials…