News
Birmingham area 2014 scorecard: 3,000 new jobs, $370 million in investment
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The seven-county Birmingham region gained more than 3,000 jobs and $370 million in capital investment in 2014 thanks to companies locating new facilities or expanding existing operations in the area, according to the Birmingham Business Alliance. The BBA made the announcement this morning at its annual Regional Growth Summit, held at The…
Honda launches new automated engine assembly line in Alabama
LINCOLN, Alabama – A new $71.4 million engine assembly facility at Honda’s Alabama plant is so advanced that its 250 workers and 92 robots can turn out 1,500 V-6 engines per day, thanks to automated systems that can handle tasks such as assembling and installing pistons. The sophisticated new engine line at Honda’s facility in…
Regions Bank renews $1.5 billion commitment to Alabama Economic Development Loan Pool
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – It’s a source of capital that has financed nearly $3 billion in business activities since it was launched. It has helped Alabama land major new employers. It is helping small businesses expand their operations. And it is helping create or sustain thousands of jobs. But ask Kirk Barrett what he sees as…
Secretary Canfield to deliver keynote at Alabama Auto Show dinner
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield will deliver the keynote address at the Alabama Auto Show Industry Dinner on April 30 at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The dinner is meant to signify the important role auto retailing plays in the Birmingham area economy. An analysis by the Birmingham Auto Dealers Association pegs that impact at $2.5…
Mar-Jac Poultry Alabama announces major expansion
SPRUCE PINE, Alabama – Mar-Jac Poultry Alabama LLC said today that it is investing about $50 million in its Northwest Alabama operations, creating and retaining more than 100 new and existing jobs and strengthening the company’s presence in the state. The centerpiece of Mar-Jac Poultry’s investment is a new $25 million feedmill in the Franklin…
‘Job 1’ marks GLE Coupé launch at Mercedes Alabama plant
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – Workers at Mercedes-Benz’s sprawling Alabama assembly plant celebrated “Job 1” today, signaling the start of mass production of the all-new GLE Coupé at the $4.5 billion facility. Mercedes has called 2015 “The Year of the SUV” for the brand, with the launch of the GLE Coupé and a renewal of most of…
Regions Financial CEO Grayson Hall to chair SEUS Japan joint forum
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Grayson Hall, who leads Alabama’s only Fortune 500 company, has been named the 2015-16 private sector chairman for the Southeast U.S.-Japan Association as the group prepares for a joint meeting in Alabama with its Japanese counterpart. Hall, who serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Regions Financial Corp., will lead…
Alabama Workforce Council issues report, launches website
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – A new era of collaboration between Alabama business leaders and education officials anchors a series of innovative initiatives that take aim at transforming workforce development efforts and improving educational outcomes in the state. These proposals are detailed in a report prepared by the Alabama Workforce Council, which is now being made available…
Mercedes M-Class gets new name, look at New York Auto Show debut
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama – The vehicle that launched Alabama’s auto industry – the Mercedes-Benz M-Class – is getting a new name and a new look that will be unveiled at the New York International Auto Show. To become known as the GLE, the Alabama-made sport utility vehicle family also is getting a new member: a plug-in…
Governor’s Trade Excellence Awards honors export success
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — Governor Robert Bentley today honored eight homegrown companies with Trade Excellence Awards for their accomplishments in exporting Alabama-made products and services to customers around the globe, reflecting a key priority of his administration’s economic growth strategy. The companies receiving the award at a ceremony this morning in the Old House Chamber at the state Capitol demonstrate capabilities…