News
How ‘Project Traveler’ brought Remington expansion to Alabama (video)
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — A handshake in a Huntsville restaurant one night last December signaled success in Alabama’s campaign to land Remington Outdoor Co.’s hotly pursued expansion project. Getting to that point, however, required intense planning, skillful teamwork and an ideal site for the company. “Project Traveler, ” the codename given to the recruitment effort, climaxed…
Remington plans Alabama production facility with more than 2,000 jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama — Executives of Remington Outdoor Co. and top officials from Alabama said today that the pioneering firearms maker will open a state-of-the-art production facility in Huntsville that will eventually employ more than 2,000 people and boost Alabama’s global manufacturing reputation. Remington, a major U.S. producer of shotguns and rifles, selected Alabama over two…
Alabama exports approach record total in 2013, with autos leading way
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Powered by rising overseas shipments of vehicles and parts, Alabama exports held steady in 2013 with a total of $19.3 billion, just shy of the state’s all-time record, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Alabama companies shipped a wide range of products from many different industry sectors to nearly…
Governor Robert Bentley: Education, business alliance will boost Alabama economic development
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Alabama Governor Robert Bentley told state economic development officials that a strong alliance of the business and education communities is key to fostering economic development and alleviating poverty across the state. Bentley, speaking Tuesday at the Economic Development Association of Alabama’s winter conference at the Riverchase Galleria’s Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, said…
Economic developer Ted Clem joins Commerce project manager team
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – The Alabama Department of Commerce has added veteran economic developer Ted Clem as a senior project manager as the state agency targets more new jobs and investment. Clem has served as a recruiter in Alabama, Florida and Georgia in a career that dates back to the early 1990s. Most recently, he was…
Airbus Alabama assembly line reaches construction milestone (video)
MOBILE, Alabama – Work on the Airbus Alabama assembly line has reached a significant construction milestone, with the entire “skeleton” of the first building at the aviation giant’s Mobile Aeroplex complex now visible. Days ago, Hoar Program Management, the Birmingham-based firm overseeing the construction project, said the last support truss was placed atop the roof…
Knauf Insulation re-opens Alabama plant, citing relationships, support
LANETT, Alabama – At a ceremony today to mark the re-opening of Knauf Insulation’s mothballed Chambers County plant, CEO Mark Andrews said relationships played a major role in the company’s decision to restart operations in Alabama rather than seek a new location. “At every single stage of this, we really felt we were wanted in…
Macon County industrial sites position area for economic development
SHORTER, Alabama – Officials in Macon County believe their county is poised for growth thanks to its strategic location along Interstate 85 and a roster of industrial sites that have strong logistical advantages including rail access. In fact, Macon County last year became the first in Alabama to receive a CSX Select Site designation. CSX says…
Central location, workforce pave way for Cullman expansion projects
CULLMAN, Alabama – The way Garlan Gudger Jr. sees it, Cullman’s vitality and business-friendly atmosphere make the city an ideal spot to live and work. A string of business expansions and new economic development projects in the community serves to confirm his belief. “Cullman feels like a large town in a smaller town setting,” said…
Rural Alabama economic development gets new push with team approach
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Job-creation efforts in rural Alabama are gaining momentum from an increased level of cooperation between economic developers at state and local levels and a regional approach that has helped sharpen strategic thinking and build alliances. Wayne Vardaman, executive director of the Selma & Dallas County Economic Development Authority, is directing a renewed…