News
Business Alabama publishes 2016 Economic Development Guide
Business Alabama has rolled out its 2016 Alabama Economic Development Guide, a comprehensive look at the state’s economic climate, its most critical industry sectors and resources, as well as the advantages that Alabama offers for investment and job creation. The 2016 Alabama Economic Development Guide features in-depth articles examining key developments affecting the state’s economy, including…
Korean logistics company LogisAll to open $4 million Alabama facility
SHORTER, Alabama – Korean logistics company LogisAll plans to open a facility in Macon County that will serve the bustling Interstate 85 automotive manufacturing corridor, creating between 40 and 60 jobs in the plant’s first year of operation. LogisAll will initially invest $4 million in its new Alabama facility, which will receive, quality-test, inventory and…
Commerce launches Workforce Development Division to streamline services
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Beginning today, many of Alabama’s key workforce development programs are being consolidated in a new division within the Alabama Department of Commerce that aims to improve workforce readiness and spur business expansion across the state. The formation of Commerce’s new Workforce Development Division creates a better aligned option for businesses needing job-training…
Alabama Innovation Fund awards $4.5 million for promising research
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Innovation Fund has awarded nearly $4.5 million to advance research being conducted at universities and other institutions, providing key support for programs that could generate new ventures and create jobs across the state. This year, the Alabama Innovation Fund is funding 14 projects at six different universities and two research-focused…
Alabama trade mission team forges bonds in Tanzania
An Alabama trade mission to Africa culminated with an extended stop in Tanzania, where meetings with high-level government representatives showcased the potential for strategic collaboration and the promise of new markets. This month’s Commerce-led trade and business development mission focused on commercial opportunities through the Sub-Saharan region of Africa – that is, the area south…
Erwin brothers’ movie ‘Woodlawn’ recreates 1970s story of faith, football
As young filmmakers, Jon and Andy Erwin dreamed of moving to Los Angles to start a career in movies, but with the success of their first feature film, “October Baby,” filmed mainly in Mobile, the Birmingham-based brothers realized they did not have to move west. They could successfully film movies right here in Alabama. “We…
Alabama trade mission to Africa opens doors for opportunity
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — An Alabama trade and business development mission to Africa is wrapping up after introducing business executives and international trade specialists to opportunities in a region that’s growing rapidly if unevenly. The Alabama delegation, headed by Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield, kicked off the mission in Johannesburg, South Africa, where it participated…
Mercedes to invest $1.3 billion in Alabama plant for next-gen SUVs
Mercedes-Benz plans to invest nearly $1.3 billion in a major expansion at its Alabama assembly plant, creating 300 jobs and preparing the factory to launch production of its next-generation sport utility vehicles, including hybrids. The new investment comes at a time of dramatic growth for Mercedes’ manufacturing hub in Tuscaloosa County. Output at the 3.7 million-square-foot plant is targeted at 300,000…
Toyota Alabama produces milestone 4 millionth engine
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Workers at the Toyota Alabama plant recorded a production milestone Monday – the 4 millionth engine assembled at the Huntsville facility. “It was an exciting day,” said Jim Bolte, president of Toyota Alabama. “This is a testament to our team members – they are dedicated to building high-quality engines. And, whether it…
Airbus Alabama production launch to boost aerospace sector
MOBILE, Alabama – Airbus leaders and Alabama officials gathered at Mobile Aeroplex today to celebrate the official opening of the aviation giant’s most advanced manufacturing facility – a development that will push the state’s aerospace sector to new altitudes. “Today shows that Airbus is truly becoming a global manufacturer and a truly American manufacturer,” said…