News
Alabama film industry gets boost from April premieres of 42, Space Warriors
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – After a record year for entertainment production projects, the Alabama film industry is ready for a cinematic close-up with the April premieres of two movies shot in the state — 42 and Space Warriors. 42, the Warner Bros. film about trailblazing baseball player Jackie Robinson that was filmed partly in Birmingham, had…
Airbus breaks ground for first U.S. assembly line in Alabama
MOBILE, Alabama — As community leaders, elected officials, suppliers, construction officials and more spoke at the Airbus groundbreaking for the company’s first U.S. final assembly line (FAL) this morning, each concluded their remarks with the same theme: “It is a groundbreaking day.” It is a groundbreaking day for Airbus, as it expands its global footprint…
Safran Engineering Services, first Alabama Airbus supplier, marks opening in Mobile
MOBILE, Alabama –- The first Airbus supplier to land in Mobile Brookley Aeroplex, Safran Engineering Services, did some celebrating of its own today before the aviation giant staged a groundbreaking ceremony at the site where it will produce the A320 family of passenger jets. At a grand-opening ceremony this morning, Bruno Bernard, chief executive of…
Mobile Brookley Aeroplex positioned to be anchor in growing aerospace corridor
MOBILE, Alabama – Mobile Brookley Aeroplex, where Airbus is constructing a $600 million passenger jet assembly line, is positioned to become the anchor of an expanding Gulf Coast aviation and aerospace corridor. Airbus’ final assembly line at the Brookley complex will produce the A320 family of narrow-body jetliners, with the first customer delivery taking place…
Commercial Jet Inc. to invest $12 million in Dale County aircraft maintenance operation
DOTHAN, Alabama – Governor Robert Bentley, House Speaker Mike Hubbard and Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield joined company and community leaders here today in announcing that Commercial Jet Inc. will invest $12 million to open a new 400,000-square-foot facility at Dothan Regional Airport in Dale County. The facility will employ hundreds of people.…
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley signs legislation meant to help land Airbus suppliers
MONTGOMERY, Alabama – Governor Robert Bentley today signed legislation aimed at attracting thousands of additional jobs to Alabama. The Alabama Commercial Aviation Business Improvement Act will help the state recruit more aerospace industry suppliers. Those suppliers are expected to locate in the region as Airbus builds its first U.S.-based production facility in Mobile. Groundbreaking for the…
Alabama-made Mercedes-Benz M-Class to get armored version
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Mercedes-Benz is producing an armored version of its Alabama-made M-Class, a heavy security model called the M-Guard that starts at around $135,000. According to a report on al.com, the base of the M-Guard will be at the company’s Vance plant and modifications made at another location. The model is reinforced with bulletproof…
Alabama ranks among best states for small businesses
MONTGOMERY, Alabama –Alabama is among the best states for small businesses, according to a national survey by Thumbtack.com and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Alabama ranked No. 2 for overall small business friendliness in the 2013 survey, trailing only Utah. Alabama’s rank improved from No. 10 among the states in a 2012 survey. In the…
Honda shows off Alabama-made 2014 Acura MDX in New York
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — The first Alabama-made 2014 Acura MDX sport utility should move into production at Honda’s manufacturing plant in Lincoln at the end of April, plant officials said after the model debuted at the New York International Auto Show today. The redesigned Alabama-made 2014 Acura MDX is quicker, more aerodynamic and features a new…
Alabama Department of Commerce to conduct Canada export meetings
MONTGOMERY, Alabama — The Alabama Department of Commerce and the Alabama Export Alliance will conduct a series of seminars on April 9 and 10 in Huntsville, Birmingham and Mobile to help companies learn how Canada is a lucrative market for Alabama exports. Keynote speakers — Frank Carrico, Commercial Consul for the U.S. consulate General in Toronto, and…