News

Alabama forest products industry poised for gains after strong year
After a banner year for the forest products industry in Alabama, the sector is primed for even more growth and innovation. Last year, Alabama recorded forest products industry projects involving $1.2 billion in new investment and more than 1,000 anticipated jobs, according to the Alabama Forestry Association and the 2016 New and Expanding Industry Report…

Secretary Canfield: Alabama in running for projects with 11,000 jobs
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said the state is competing for economic development projects with more than 11,000 jobs in key industry sectors such as automotive, aerospace, forest products and technology. This promising pipeline of projects follows what has already been a strong year for economic development, Secretary Canfield told members of…

Business Facilities gives high rankings to Alabama, cities
Business Facilities magazine gives Alabama high rankings for its workforce training programs, auto manufacturing strength and overall manufacturing employment, while touting the economic growth potential of Mobile and Huntsville. In its 13th annual ranking report, the economic development-focused publication singled out Huntsville as the nation’s top metro area in aerospace/defense, citing its large concentration of…

Alabama auto sector primed for growth with $1 billion in new investment
Alabama’s auto industry continues to thrive, racking up new jobs and investments in communities across the state. Last year, there were at least 68 auto projects, for an estimated total of 3,848 jobs and $907.1 million in new capital investment, according to an analysis of the 2016 New & Expanding Industry Report. New projects announced…

Bolta marks opening of $49 million Alabama auto parts plant
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Global auto parts supplier Bolta Group today announced the opening of its new $48.7 million production facility at the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park, which will employ 350 people by the end of 2018. State and local officials joined members of Bolta’s global management team at an on-site ceremony today to celebrate…

Alabama’s Arista Aviation wins $111 million State Department contract
ENTERPRISE, Alabama — Arista Aviation Services LLC said today that the U.S. State Department’s Office of Aviation has awarded it a five-year contract with a maximum value of $111 million to perform maintenance on the agency’s UH-1 helicopters. The Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contact for UH-1 Programmed Depot Maintenance extends the work already being done…

Tuscaloosa County auto supplier on track to open high-tech facility
VANCE, Alabama — A Spanish auto supplier is moving forward with a $30 million wheel assembly factory in Tuscaloosa County, a project that will create more than 70 jobs. Truck & Wheel Group plans a 127,000-square-foot, highly automated facility in Vance that will assemble, sequence and balance wheels for delivery to automotive production lines. This…

Gateway Tire to invest $11 million in Alabama distribution center
DOTHAN, Alabama – Officials with Gateway Tire announced plans today to invest $11 million to open a 200,000-square-foot tire distribution center in Dothan’s Westgate Industrial Park, adding heft to the area’s strong distribution/logistics sector. The project will create 30 jobs initially, with more possible in the future. Governor Kay Ivey, who attended a groundbreaking ceremony…

Altec bucket truck showcased at ‘Made in America’ day at White House
A “Made in America” day highlighting U.S.-made products at the White House today featured a bucket truck assembled by Birmingham-based Altec Industries, which exports its products to more than 100 countries. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation today declaring this as “Made in America” week to celebrate homegrown products from each of the 50 states.…

Updated Alabama Launchpad competition spotlights entrepreneurs
AUBURN, Alabama – Alabama’s entrepreneurs have a growing list of opportunities to showcase their innovative ideas. The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama is expanding its successful startup competition, and the newest site is Auburn. EDPA is partnering with the City of Auburn, Auburn University’s Raymond J. Harbert College of Business and the Auburn Research and Technology…


