During the 47th annual Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS-Japan) Joint Meeting in Tokyo, the Alabama Department of Commerce today celebrated the opening of a new business development office in Japan, marking a significant step forward in strengthening the state’s economic relationship with one of its most valued international partners. The Tokyo-based office, staffed by a team […]

Governor Kay Ivey told industry figures at the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC) last week that the auto sector will continue to thrive across the region — driving both economic growth and job creation. “I think we all agree that ‘Made in the South’ is more than a slogan,” Governor Ivey said, referencing the conference’s slogan. “Down […]

Meta plans an expansion of its Montgomery Data Center, bringing the technology company’s total investment in Alabama’s capital region to more than $1.5 billion. The news was shared during a closed construction tour with state and regional leaders, reinforcing Montgomery’s position as one of the Southeast’s fastest-growing technology and innovation hubs, according to the Montgomery Chamber of […]

Airbus is marking a major milestone at its U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile — a decade of commercial aircraft production on Alabama soil. Since launching operations in 2015 with a team of around 300, Airbus has grown into a major force in the nation’s aerospace sector. Today, the Mobile site employs more than 2,000 people […]

Georgia-Pacific announced today that it plans to invest $800 million to modernize, expand, and streamline the production capabilities of the company’s Alabama River Cellulose mill, making the Monroe County facility the largest softwood pulp mill in the U.S. Georgia-Pacific said the project, scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025 and conclude in 2027, […]

Alabama leaders cheered a Trump Administration decision today to announce the selection of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the permanent headquarters for U.S. Space Command. The move mark a major milestone in the nation’s strategic defense posture and means an estimated 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years. […]

Master Boat Builders Inc., a vessel and workboat manufacturer, today announced that it has invested $7.8 million to modernize and expand its shipbuilding operations in Mobile County by adding a new fabrication shop and floating drydock. The Mobile Chamber said today that the expansion project creates 85 new jobs, adding to Master Boat’s skilled workforce of more than […]

Loftis Steel & Aluminum, a family-owned steel fabrication company based in Nashville, Tennessee, is expanding its footprint with the launch of a new high-tech operation in Decatur with a $6.5 million investment. The growth project will create 20 new jobs in Limestone County, reinforcing Alabama’s strong position in advanced manufacturing. Loftis Steel & Aluminum produces […]

Alabama and several of its metro areas have earned high marks in the 2025 “Business Facilities” Annual Rankings Report, reinforcing the state’s status as a national leader in key industries and a prime destination for business growth. The influential report — now in its 21st year — evaluates states and metro areas across more than 25 categories that […]

Macon County is charting a new course for economic growth, thanks to a pair of state-backed investments designed to enhance industrial readiness and attract job-creating projects. The Alabama Department of Commerce has awarded a $2.7 million SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) grant to the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) to support the acquisition and development of […]

Contour Fabrications and Mechanical (CFM), a provider of mechanical maintenance and reel refurbishment services, is launching a new operation in Cleburne County, marking a milestone in rural industrial growth in Alabama. The project represents a $7 million investment and is expected to create 20 to 30 jobs, providing a valuable economic boost to the region […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced today that more than $25.9 million in Growing Alabama funding has been allocated to support economic development projects across 15 communities in Alabama, reinforcing the state’s commitment to long-term job creation and site readiness. The announcement comes after Governor Ivey addressed professionals of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA) at the group’s […]

Alabama’s aerospace industry reached new heights as Airbus announced the delivery of the 100th A220 aircraft produced at its U.S. Manufacturing Facility in Mobile, marking a major milestone for the site and for the state’s thriving aviation sector. The landmark aircraft, delivered to Breeze Airways, symbolizes the rapid growth and success of the A220 production […]

The Chambers County Development Authority announced that MR6 Tech Services, a company specializing in roll-forming and sheet metal machinery repair, plans to construct a facility in the Huguley Industrial Park. The project, which involves an investment of $1.5 million, will create between 15 and 20 new jobs in rural Chambers County, with the potential for additional […]

Butting, a global stainless steel pipe manufacturer, announced plans today to establish its North American headquarters and first United States production facility in Baldwin County as part of a $61 million growth project. The company’s plans will unfold in two strategic phases, triggering the creation of up to 100 high-quality jobs with wages significantly above […]

When Airbus chose Mobile as the home for its first U.S.-based commercial aircraft assembly plant, it marked a transformative moment for the state’s aerospace industry. But behind the headlines and ribbon cuttings was another critical development: the establishment of the AIDT Aviation Training Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to build the skilled workforce Airbus needed to succeed in […]

In recognition of National “Made in the USA” Day, Governor Kay Ivey today signed a formal proclamation celebrating Alabama’s manufacturing community and its critical role in driving economic growth across the state. “On this ‘Made in the USA’ Day, we proudly salute the hardworking Alabamians who make our state a true manufacturing powerhouse,” Governor Ivey […]

The Opelika Industrial Development Authority has been awarded a SEEDS grant, part of Gov. Kay Ivey’s initiative to enhance industrial site readiness across Alabama. The funding is included in the $23.5 million in SEEDS grants allocated by the State Industrial Development Authority to boost economic growth and attract new businesses to the state. “This SEEDS grant represents a strategic investment […]

Christina Stimpson, Chief Officer of the Global Business Office at the Alabama Department of Commerce, has been appointed to the board of directors of the State International Development Organizations (SIDO), the leading national association dedicated to supporting the international trade and export programs of U.S. states and territories. Stimpson’s appointment places Alabama at the center of the […]

Two of Alabama’s most dynamic regions — Huntsville and the Auburn/Opelika area — have been named recipients of the 2025 Mac Conway Award for Economic Development Excellence, a national honor presented annually by “Site Selection” magazine. Named for “Site Selection” founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the award recognizes top-performing economic development organizations across the country based […]

Governor Kay Ivey announced that applications for Round 3 of the state’s SEEDS grant program will open on July 1, with a total of $23.2 million available to support site assessment and development efforts across Alabama. The SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) program, administered by the Alabama Department of Commerce in partnership with […]

What began with a full schedule of 21 pre-arranged meetings quickly evolved into a whirlwind of opportunity for the Alabama Department of Commerce team at last week’s 2025 Paris Air Show, where the state team engaged with executives from more than 36 aerospace companies — surpassing expectations and setting the stage for future investment. Among the […]

From deep-space exploration to next-gen aviation systems, Alabama is a national leader in the aerospace and defense sectors. But behind the rockets, aircraft, and advanced weapons systems is a powerful network of research universities that provide the fuel for this innovation engine. Across the state, Alabama’s public universities are advancing game-changing research, training mission-critical talent, […]

As he walks the floor of the 2025 Paris Air Show, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson isn’t just attending another industry event — he’s closing a remarkable chapter in the city’s global aerospace journey. This year marks his final European air show as mayor, and it comes at a moment of both pride and reflection. Mayor Stimpson […]