50 new jobs coming to Cullman County as AGCO moves production line from Germany
AGCO, a global leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural equipment, is moving its Farmer Automatic Production Line from Germany to Bremen, Ala. in rural Cullman County.
US Steel cites Donald Trump in resuming Fairfield Works construction project
U.S. Steel Corp. will restart construction on an idled manufacturing facility in Alabama, and it gave some of the credit to President Donald Trump’s trade policies in an announcement Monday. Trump’s “strong trade actions” are partly responsible for the resumption of work on an advanced plant near Birmingham, the Pittsburgh-based company said in a statement. The administration’s tariffs have raised prices on imported steel and aluminum. The manufacturer also cited improving market conditions, union support and government incentives for the decision. Work will resume immediately, the company said, and the facility will have an annual capacity of 1.6 million tons (1.5 million metric tons). U.S. Steel said it also will update other equipment and plans to spend about $215 million, adding about 150 full-time workers. The furnace is expected to begin producing steel in late 2020. The 16,000-member United Steelworkers praised the decision to resume work, which followed an agreement with the union reached last fall. “This decision paves the way for a solid future in continuing to make steel in Alabama and the Birmingham region,” Leo W. Gerard, the president of the international union, said in a statement. U.S. Steel shut down its decades-old blast furnace at Fairfield Works in 2015, idling about 1,100 employees, and said it would replace the operation with an electric furnace. The company then blamed conditions in the steel, oil and gas industries as it suspended work in December 2015 on an electric arc furnace at its mill in Fairfield, located just west of Birmingham. The project stalled until the announcement Monday. Trump imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel imports and 10 percent on imported aluminum on June 1, 2018. The move was to protect U.S. national security interests, he said, but other countries said the taxes break global trade rules, and some have imposed tariffs of their own. Republished with permission from the Associated Press
Finally, Alabama ranks #1 for something other than football
The Yellowhammer State has been selected as the nation’s top state for manufacturing in a new ranking. Global Trade, a publication focusing on international business, put Alabama in the top spot of a combination of factors — “like an existing industrial base, the availability of talent, investment incentives, and favorable tax and regulatory environments.” In addition, the publication credited the AdvantageSites program for the state’s success in the manufacturing industry. This program pre-certifies sites for development and is known for rapid permitting, which is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to accelerate projects. “Alabama has a strong heritage in manufacturing, which remains a key pillar in the state’s growing economy,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Alabama workers have shown the world that they have the expertise to manufacture high-quality products that set industry standards, and this ranking is more confirmation of that fact.” “Alabama is open for business! We should all be proud of the strong workforce development initiatives that continue to help our state succeed,” Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby posted on Facebook after hearing the news. Open for business There are more than 270, 000 manufacturing workers in Alabama, representing over 13 percent of the state’s workforce. That’s the fifth highest concentration among the states, according to data from the National Association of Manufacturers. “Alabama’s manufacturing workers bring energy and passion to their jobs, and they’re always willing to learn new skills that will enhance productivity,” added Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “These qualities set them apart from their counterparts in other states and allow them to manufacture a sweeping variety of top-flight products that are in demand all over the world.” Global Trade’s selection of Alabama as the top manufacturing state comes one month after Business Facilities, a publication focused on economic development, named Alabama the No. 1 state in a business-climate ranking. “The state has seen a continued influx of manufacturing investment — much of it from the international auto industry — and it’s not hard to understand why,” Global Trade writes. A 2017 Gallup poll found that Alabama has the highest percentage of highly involved and enthusiastic workers among U.S. states. These rankings come at a time when Alabama is moving to streamline and improve its overall workforce development program, with many of these functions centralized in the Alabama Department of Commerce. New initiatives include AlabamaWorks and Apprenticeship Alabama.
Richard Shelby secures Auburn University $3M for 3-D printing research
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has awarded $3,087,090 to Auburn University for research and the development of techniques to improve the additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing, industry. “Auburn University has become a national leader in the field of additive manufacturing,” said Senator Richard Shelby, who announced the grant on Wednesday. “This NIST grant will provide Auburn the unique opportunity to innovate and empower engineering industries, boosting efforts to promote the continued economic growth of our manufacturing sector. The research, training, and development that will take place as a result of this funding will allow the university to advance additive manufacturing and continue competing on a national stage.” Unlike traditional manufacturing processes that require machining to create components, additive manufacturing allows manufacturers to fabricate parts layer-by-layer from metals, plastics or other materials using a 3-D computer-aided design model. Because parts are made by building upon each layer, additive technology reduces waste in the manufacturing process, allows for the creation of highly complex shapes and can create parts that are both lighter and more durable than those made using traditional manufacturing methods. The technology is revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, giving engineers new methods to create custom parts for manufacturers in the aerospace, biomedical and automobile industries as well as in other areas. “Additive manufacturing is revolutionizing industries ranging from aviation to medical instruments to automotive,” added Auburn University President Steven Leath. “Thanks to Senator Shelby, the State of Alabama is providing national leadership in developing and refining these technologies that foster economic opportunity, improve quality of life and strengthen our country’s infrastructure.” With the help of this NIST award, Auburn University will work to address various issues challenging the additive manufacturing industry. Specifically, the initiative will: Conduct cutting-edge research Train and educate graduate and undergraduate students Develop and promote technological innovations that advance the pace of the additive manufacturing industry. This new funding from NIST will allow Auburn’s National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) — founded through a collaboration between Auburn University and the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) — to expand its programs to include new research on metrology, which is the measurement and characterization of 3-D printed parts, and advanced process models that will allow engineers to predict the properties and performance of these 3-D printed parts. The research resulting from this grant will have a strong technical and economic impact on various industries in the United States.
Marine manufacturer AdvanTec to open Alabama facility with 46 workers
Canada-based AdvanTec, a leader in marine manufacturing, announced plans to open a facility in Baldwin County, creating 46 jobs with an annual payroll of $2.4 million in its first three years. AdvanTec specializes in marine closure manufacturing, as well as industrial pipe bending for oil and gas applications, serving clients in a range of industries. The 40,000-square-foot facility in Robertsdale will open next month. “As the first of our plants in this region, this location will allow us to better serve our clients in the greater Gulf of Mexico and Southeastern United States, as well as access a skilled labor market with deep experience in marine metal manufacturing,” said Andrew Mund, operations director for AdvanTec in Robertsdale. The Alabama location adds to the Vancouver-based company’s operating footprint. AdvanTec operates manufacturing facilities in Langley, Maple Rocket and Chilliwick, all in British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; and Gold Beach, Oregon. It has sales facilities in British Columbia and Washington. “The City of Robertsdale welcomes the arrival of AdvanTec to our Industrial Park — this is a great opportunity for all,” Robertsdale Mayor Charles Murphy said. “We will assist and provide AdvanTec with a presence in the Gulf of Mexico, so their business unit can grow and prosper, provide meaningful employment to those in our area, and create benefit for our community.” Growth momentum Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, said AdvanTec’s announcement is another example of growth in Baldwin County, which continues to attract international investment and create new jobs. Baldwin has ranked high in analyses of incoming business investment and workforce talent attraction. “AdvanTec’s decision to locate in Baldwin County further proves that our county is a preferred destination for businesses looking to grow their operations in the Southeast,” said Chris Elliott, a Baldwin County commissioner. AdvanTec is the parent brand to AdvanTec Marine and AdvanTec Industrial. AdvanTec Marine specializes in design, engineering and manufacturing of specialty marine application closures and cranes, while AdvanTec Industrial creates products for commercial and industrial applications throughout the world. AdvanTec’s industries range from clean tech, mining and construction to oil and gas, petrochemical and power utilities. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission form the Alabama NewsCenter.
Truck & Wheel Group opens $30 million Alabama wheel assembly plant
Spain-based auto supplier Truck & Wheel Group opened a new 127,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that will supply wheel assemblies for automakers in the Southeast. The company’s executive management team joined Gov. Kay Ivey, Mercedes-Benz’s Alabama operations chief Jason Hoff and community leaders at a grand opening ceremony for the Alabama facility. The $30 million project will create more than 70 jobs. “Truck & Wheel USA would like to once again say thank you to the town of Vance and Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority for helping make this project possible,” said Antonio Montoro, the plant’s manager. “Thank you for welcoming us into your community.” The company’s highly automated facility in Vance will assemble, sequence and balance wheels for delivery to automotive production lines. This is the first U.S. operation for the company, which wants to expand its market as a Tier 1 supplier. “Alabama’s auto industry continues to be a powerful driver of economic growth across the state, creating jobs for hard-working citizens and opportunities for communities,” Ivey said. “I’m excited to see Truck & Wheel Group locate its first U.S. facility in Tuscaloosa County, and I know they will be a great addition to our expanding automotive manufacturing sector,” she said. ‘Foundation for success’ Dean McClure, chairman of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority (TCIDA), said Truck & Wheel Group is joining a thriving international business community in the county. “The new opportunities and new jobs that this multinational company brings to our county and our region will positively impact the area’s workforce and business climate for many years,” McClure said. “Truck and Wheel’s commitment to innovation and quality combined with the work ethic of our people creates a strong foundation for success.” Truck & Wheel began in Europe in 1998 and now operates two dozen branches with nearly 1,000 workers there. The company is one of the major logistics operators in Spain and Portugal, and it operates centers in France and Germany. It expanded its presence in Mexico with the opening of a new plant in 2015. “Their growth and success in Europe all but guarantees their chances to hit the ground running with their state-of-the-art wheel assembly factory in Vance,” said Jo Bonner, interim executive director of TCIDA and vice chancellor for economic development at the University of Alabama. The Truck & Wheel facility was developed by real estate firm Graham & Co., with Cooper Construction serving as the general contractor. The factory will be highly robotic and automated, attaching tires to rims, inflating them and running quality assurance tests in a matter of seconds. The two firms previously teamed up to build a 500,000-square-foot parts warehouse for the automotive sector. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Officials react to Alabama Toyota-Mazda plant announcement
It’s now official — Huntsville, Ala. has been selected by Toyota Motor Corporation and Mazda Motor Corporation as the site of their new $1.6 billion joint-venture auto manufacturing plant. The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon from the Alabama State Capitol building in Montgomery by Governor Kay Ivey, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, and executives from both Toyota and Mazda. The Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce, as well as leaders from multiple municipalities, joined the event. The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly between two lines for each company to produce a new Mazda crossover model that will be introduced to North American markets and the Toyota Corolla. The facility is expected to create 4,000 jobs and production is expected to begin by 2021. Here’s what Alabama officials had to say of the news: Gov. Kay Ivey: The partnership between Toyota and Mazda will expand innovative automotive manufacturing in Alabama. Their decision to locate this new facility in Huntsville is a testament to the talented workforce in our state. We are proud that this partnership puts Alabama on the forefront of technology in this dynamic global industry. U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby: I am extremely proud that Huntsville was selected by Toyota and Mazda for the joint auto production plant. This facility will create thousands of jobs and strengthen economic growth throughout our state and region. Alabama has a proven track record of creating an environment where world-class manufacturing operations thrive. Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the capabilities and effectiveness of our state’s skilled workforce, highlighting the continued truth that Alabama is open for business. U.S. Sen. Doug Jones: The Toyota and Mazda decision to select Huntsville as the new location for their joint auto plant is both a testament to Northern Alabama’s exceptional advanced manufacturing workforce and further proof that choosing common ground over divisiveness will drive business to our state. Today’s announcement is a tremendous step forward for Alabama’s growing technology sector and our ability to recruit quality businesses in the future. We must build on this momentum, and continue to focus our efforts on issues that affect hard-working Alabamians like creating good-paying jobs and providing students with the tools to attain them. Alabama 2nd District U.S. Rep. Martha Roby: The news that Toyota and Mazda have chosen Alabama as this new plant’s home highlights once again that our great state is open for business. The decision by these companies is truly a testament to our impressive, skilled workforce and our state’s business-friendly environment. This exciting investment in North Alabama not only comes with 4,000 new direct jobs, but also an economic impact that will be felt across the state for many years to come. Alabama 5th District U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks: Toyota and Mazda’s decision to locate in Limestone County is great news for Alabama and the Tennessee Valley! I’m thankful Alabama was selected despite fierce competition from other states vying for this plant. Toyota and Mazda’s decision validates what many of us in Alabama already know. Alabama is not only America’s #1 football state, we are also on a path to be America’s #1 automotive production state. That is a strong testament to the quality of the location, resources, people and government leadership that Alabama offers. The Tennessee Valley did not win the Toyota and Mazda competition overnight. Rather, this victory is the culmination of decades of hard work and leadership offered by local, state and federal officials who have consistently worked together to make the Tennessee Valley a great place to live and work, a place that encourages companies like Polaris, Remington, and now Toyota and Mazda, to rank the Tennessee Valley #1 in America. Alabama 6th District U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer: Toyota and Mazda made a tremendous decision in choosing Alabama for their new, cutting-edge manufacturing plant. I am pleased this new facility will eventually bring 4,000 new jobs and significant economic growth to our state. The fact that Toyota and Mazda picked Alabama is indicative of the hard work and commitment Alabama has made to become the pacesetter in the automobile manufacturing industry. Alabama 7th District U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell: I am thrilled to hear that a Toyota-Mazda automobile plant will be finding a home in the great State of Alabama. I’m proud to see Toyota-Mazda investing in our state’s workforce and continued economic development. This joint venture between Toyota and Mazda will eventually produce 300,000 vehicles a year and create as many as 4,000 jobs opportunities for families in our State. Investments in new technologies and facilities like these are imperative to Alabama’s growing economy. As a Member of Congress, I believe we must strive to create a more job-ready workforce to continue to keep Alabama competitive and entice new business development across the State. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle: With this announcement, our world changes overnight. Toyota and Mazda, two of the world’s most innovative automakers, have created a legacy project that will provide jobs for decades to come for Huntsville and Alabama. Limestone County Schools Superintendent Tom Sisk: Because we have been a part of the process from the beginning, our school system has been working diligently behind the scenes to develop a series of plans that will be presented to the school board for consideration. These plans will address contingencies for anticipated growth, and expanded academic offerings for our students and others to prepare to meet the needs of this economic expansion. Madison County Commissioner Dale Strong: Today’s monumental announcement by President Akio Toyoda of the Toyota Corporation and President and CEO Masamichi Kogai of the Mazda Corporation is not a new commitment, but a continued commitment with proven world leaders in automotive ingenuity to the State of Alabama and our people. This project once again demonstrates that our regional, advanced manufacturing workforce is perfectly positioned for today and future generations.
Toyota, Mazda to build $1.6 billion plant in Alabama
The Yellowhammer State will be the home of a new $1.6 billion auto assembly plant, sources said on Tuesday. Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor are set to unveil plans
Shaw Industries investing $184 million in Alabama fiber manufacturing facility
Shaw Industries Group, Inc. (Shaw) announced on Tuesday it will invest $184 million in its Andalusia, Ala., manufacturing facility, which creates fiber used to manufacture carpet. “Shaw’s significant new investment in its Andalusia manufacturing facility is a welcome development that positions the plant for the future and demonstrates the company’s confidence in its large Alabama workforce,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey. “We look forward to working with Shaw to help its Covington County operation not only succeed but also thrive.” The project will include construction of new and expanded building assets, and installation of substantial amounts of new manufacturing equipment. “These investments will ensure the long-term viability of this critical operation within Shaw’s portfolio of manufacturing facilities. They are designed to improve the plant’s ability to compete successfully in the marketplace for the short and long term,” stated Vance Bell, Shaw Chairman and CEO. “This facility upgrade will utilize state of the art technology and innovative processes that will be industry leading in cost and quality.” Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, acknowledged, “We’ve made it a priority in Alabama to assist companies like Shaw that are reinvesting in their facilities and upgrading their operations to enhance competitiveness and efficiency. This project shows Shaw’s commitment to its Andalusia facility, and it will benefit employees there for the long haul.” The changes will improve efficiency and production as well as ergonomics and safety for the more than 1,000 associates who work at the plant. Demolition work is underway at the facility, and new equipment is set to be in place and operational by mid-2018; the facility will remain operational throughout the transition. “Shaw’s commitment to safety and product quality are the cornerstone of business,” added Ron Fantroy, Shaw Plant Manager for Plant 65/Andalusia. “This tremendous investment illustrates our continual effort to improve our operations and employ advanced manufacturing techniques to meet the needs of our associates and customers.” Shaw’s operations are more complex than ever. As a result, almost every job at Shaw — from designers and data scientists to machinists and managers — requires a higher skill level than in the past. Shaw benefits from a talented, well-trained associate base in Covington County, where it is the county’s largest employer. “Shaw is involved in an array of education programs – from kindergarten to college, from reading to robotics – to help support the development of a highly skilled workforce necessary for 21st century jobs,” Bell noted. Greg White, Chairman of the Covington County Commission said, “This sort of investment would not be made unless the company had great confidence in the folks that show up to work with them every day. And, I am especially thankful for everyone throughout our community who looked for every way possible to support this investment. These efforts are providing a long-term economic stability that most communities could only hope for.” “Andalusia and Shaw Industries have worked together in the past to make sure that Shaw’s Andalusia operation is poised for success,” added Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson. “The Andalusia Council, Utilities Board and myself together with Southeast Gas and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative were glad to do our part to help Shaw decide to make this major investment in the Andalusia plant. Shaw had other options, and in making this decision, we are pleased that they will be part of our community for years to come.”
Alabama metro ranks No. 1 for manufacturing jobs, analysis says
The Talladega-Sylacauga Micropolitan Statistical Area was rated the best place in the U.S. for manufacturing jobs in a detailed analysis by SmartAsset, a financial technology company that studied data on nearly 500 cities. SmartAsset singled out the high concentration of well-paying manufacturing jobs in the Talladega-Sylacauga area in its analysis. Here’s what the firm says about the micropolitan: “A large chunk of the workforce in this Alabama metro area work in manufacturing – just over 39 percent. Only three other metro areas in this study can beat this stat. “Manufacturing jobs here also pay pretty well, especially when you consider the area’s average housing costs. We estimate the average manufacturing worker earns $58,461 after accounting for housing costs.” The Talladega-Sylacauga micropolitan area consists of Talladega and Coosa counties, with a total population of around 93,000. The area’s top employer is Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, which operates an auto assembly plant in Lincoln with more than 4,500 workers. “Alabama has a strong heritage in manufacturing, and it remains an important pillar in the state’s economy,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Alabamians have the expertise to produce top-class products that are in high demand around the world, and the workers in the Talladega-Sylacauga area are especially good at it.” Manufacturing workers in Alabama total more than 260,000, representing more than 13 percent of the state’s workforce. That’s the fifth-highest concentration among the states, according to data from the National Association of Manufacturers. Rising incomes To identify the best places to work in manufacturing, New York-based SmartAsset looked at data for 483 metro areas in the United States. Specifically, the firm looked at data on employment growth in manufacturing, income growth in manufacturing, density of manufacturing jobs and housing costs. The number of manufacturing jobs in the Talladega-Sylacauga micropolitan area expanded by 3.4 percent in the past year, reaching 39.4 percent of total jobs, according to SmartAsset’s data. Incomes, meanwhile, climbed 6.2 percent over the year. The area’s annual income after housing figure of $58,461 was second-highest among cities making the list’s Top 25, and it was more than $10,000 higher than the city ranking just behind it on the overall list. “Manufacturers rely on the skills of their workers for success, and the talents of manufacturing workers in the Talladega-Sylacauga region are highlighted by this impressive ranking,” said Ed Castile, deputy Commerce secretary and director of AIDT, the state’s primary job training agency. After the Talladega-Sylacauga micropolitan, other areas rounding out the Top 5 on SmartAsset’s list of the top places for manufacturing were: Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina Ogden-Clearfield, Utah Rockford, Illinois Elizabethtown-Fort Knox, Kentucky The Talladega-Sylacauga area ranked No. 11 in the 2016 installment of the SmartAsset analysis. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Video: How T-100 trainer jets would be manufactured in Alabama
Curious about how global aerospace company Leonardo’s Alabama workforce would manufacture the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation trainer aircraft if it’s picked for the role? Leonardo announced plans in March for an advanced manufacturing center in Tuskegee for its T-100 trainer jet, one of the contenders in an Air Force competition to replace its aging fleet of T-38 aircraft. In November, an Alabama delegation got a first-hand look at how Leonardo manufactures advanced training aircraft during a tour of a company factory in Italy. A fast-paced video from Leonardo DRS shows how T-100s would be manufactured at the Alabama facility. Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, led the delegation of state and Macon County officials who traveled to Leonardo’s aircraft manufacturing facility in Venegono Superiore in mid-November. While there, the Alabama group received a briefing from Leonardo executives who said preparations for the Tuskegee manufacturing center are on track. Canfield said the aircraft factory would have a massive economic impact on Macon County and the surrounding area. “The T-100 factory would create an anchor for a new aviation manufacturing industry in Tuskegee with high-paying jobs and tremendous long-term growth prospects,” he said. “It’s not an exaggeration to say the Leonardo facility would create new opportunities for citizens and businesses in Macon County that would change the trajectory of the entire region.” Historic location Leonardo’s manufacturing center would be built at Moton Field, where the celebrated Tuskegee Airmen fighter pilots trained during World War II. Leonardo’s twin-engine M-346 aircraft is already being used to train pilots to fly next-generation fighter aircraft. The T-100 is based on the proven M-346, which has been selected for a training role by Italy, Israel, Singapore and Poland. Leonardo said its project in Tuskegee calls for the creation of 750 full-time jobs. An Air Force decision on the trainer jet competition is expected next spring. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabama NewsCenter.
Alabama aerospace industry gains velocity with new investment
Alabama’s aerospace and aviation industry is recording a landmark year, with a major haul of project announcements that bring the promise of international prominence to communities and workers across the state. So far this year, aerospace companies have unveiled plans to invest at least $500 million and bring more than 2,200 jobs to Alabama in new facilities or expansions of existing operations. That follows another solid year of growth for the industry in 2016, when project announcements involved $260 million in new investment and 2,000 additional jobs. “Alabama has long been a major player in designing and manufacturing the most innovative, complex solutions to conquer skies and space, and we are continuing to shape the global industry today,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “Companies around the world know our workforce has proven itself, time and time again, and that’s why they keep turning to this state to help solve modern industry challenges and achieve the latest groundbreaking work,” he added. Leonardo in Tuskegee One of this year’s major announcements came from global aerospace and defense firm Leonardo, which plans to build the T-100 jet trainer at Tuskegee’s Moton Field if it wins a U.S. Air Force contract for a next-generation training aircraft. The project calls for the creation of 750 jobs over a 10-year period beginning in 2019. The potential opportunity for Tuskegee and the surrounding area is huge, and it would add a new chapter to the region’s aviation legacy. Moton Field is where the legendary Tuskegee Airmen trained during World War II. Canfield led an Alabama delegation that last week met with Leonardo executives and toured a factory in Italy where the company manufactures jet trainer aircraft. The objective of the mission was to help advance preparations under way in Alabama for the development of the manufacturing facility at Moton Field. Rocket engines Other key 2017 announcements include a pair of new rocket engine factories in Huntsville. Blue Origin, the spaceflight company started by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, plans to manufacture its BE-4 engine in a new $200 million, 342-job facility. At the same time, Aerojet Rocketdyne is expanding its Huntsville operation with plans for 800 jobs and a new manufacturing plant for its ARI rocket engine and other parts. The companies cite Alabama’s skilled workforce and industry prominence. “Alabama is a great state for aerospace manufacturing and we are proud to produce America’s next rocket engine right here in the Rocket City,” Robert Meyerson, president of Blue Origin, said at the time of the company’s project announcement. “The area’s skilled workforce and leading role in rocket propulsion development make Huntsville the ideal location for our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility.” Aerospace clusters Elsewhere in the state, more industry breakthroughs are on the horizon. GE recently selected Auburn University as one of eight universities in the world to participate in an innovative program focusing on 3-D printing research and education initiatives. Nearby, the GE Aviation plant in Auburn is using additive manufacturing to mass produce fuel nozzle injectors. The company says the nozzle is the first complex jet engine component produced with 3-D printing technology. And Airbus, which builds its A320 Family aircraft at its $600 million plant in Mobile, said last month that it will partner with Canadian manufacturer Bombardier to bring a new production line for Bombardier’s C Series passenger jets to Alabama. Aerospace has been an important contributor to Alabama’s economy for decades, and in recent years the state has emerged as a top location for companies that are global leaders in the industry, said Steve Sewell, executive vice president of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. “In addition to major industry clusters in Huntsville and Mobile, we now have aviation and aerospace-related companies providing advanced manufacturing and engineering jobs in communities throughout the state,” he said. “One of Alabama’s great strengths in aerospace is the diversity of sectors that are represented here, including aircraft assembly, rocket propulsion, precision component manufacturing, missile defense and maintenance, repair and overhaul.” Sewell said the latest aerospace projects planned for Alabama will further cement the state’s legacy in the sector. “The recent investments and the continued growth and success of the aerospace industry have enhanced Alabama’s reputation as a state that can support the most advanced level of manufacturing,” he said. This story originally appeared on the Alabama Department of Commerce’s Made in Alabama website. Republished with permission from the Alabam NewsCenter.
