News
Job training programs fuel growth of Alabama auto industry
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama’s worker training efforts have helped build the state auto industry into a juggernaut, and the growth shows no signs of slowing. Worker training agency AIDT’s success can be attributed to its talented staff, as well as state leaders who provide resources and flexibility for them to do their jobs well, said…
Z Modular selects Alabama for innovative production facility
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Z Modular, a division of Chicago-based Zekelman Industries, plans to open a 106,000-square-foot advanced production facility in Birmingham’s Valley East Industrial Park that will eventually have 100 employees, according to the Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA). At the Alabama facility, Z Modular will produce modular units that will be shipped across the U.S.…
Business Alabama publishes 2018 Economic Development Guide
Alabama’s economy is more diverse than ever, thanks to major new developments in industries ranging from agriculture to aerospace and everything in between, according to Business Alabama. The publication’s new 2018 Economic Development Guide provides an in-depth examination of the important trends and developments that are reshaping the economic landscape of Alabama. The 96-page guide…
Southern Automotive Conference brings industry leaders to Alabama
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Key auto industry decision makers from across the Southeastern U.S. and beyond will be in Alabama this week to learn about new innovations, share solid business practices and build stronger relationships with their colleagues. The Southern Automotive Conference, which kicks off Wednesday at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, features a lineup of industry…
Toyota to invest $106M in Alabama engine plant, add 50 jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Toyota today announced plans to invest $106 million and add 50 jobs at its Alabama engine plant, the latest expansion for the Huntsville facility that is a key part of the automaker’s global operations. The investment will provide for a complete replacement of the current four-cylinder engine line at Toyota Motor Manufacturing…
International Paper to invest $300 million in Alabama mill
SELMA, Alabama — International Paper plans to invest around $300 million in its Riverdale Mill in Dallas County to expand the company’s industrial packaging business, adding momentum to a significant growth spurt for the state’s forest products industry. Memphis, Tennessee-based International Paper (IP) said the investment will convert its No. 15 paper machine at the Selma…
Mercedes kicks off project to build Bibb County global logistics hub
WOODSTOCK, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz officially launched construction this morning on a Global Logistics Center and a North American parts hub based in Bibb County’s Scott G. Davis Industrial Park, a project that will give a massive boost to the rural area. The Bibb County logistics campus is an element of the $1 billion expansion announced…
Mercedes to launch electric vehicle production in $1B Alabama project
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz announced plans today to invest an additional $1 billion in its Alabama operation, where it will set up electric vehicle production and build a battery plant. In addition, the German automaker will also expand its logistics activities in the U.S. with a new Global Logistics Center and a new after-sales North…
Area Development ranks Alabama among top business-friendly states
Area Development, a national economic development-focused publication, once again ranked Alabama among the top states for doing business. In a new survey, Alabama earned high marks for improved economic development policies, its proven workforce development program, and a long-running shovel-ready sites initiative. Alabama ranks No. 6 overall in the magazine’s 2017 “Top States for Doing…
New Flyer to add Innovation Center in $25 million Alabama expansion
ANNISTON, Alabama – New Flyer, the largest transit bus manufacturer in North America, kicked off a $25 million project this morning that will expand and upgrade its Anniston production campus and include a unique Vehicle Innovation Center dedicated to the advancement of bus and motor coach technology. In addition, New Flyer of America said the investment…