Alabama’s economy is more diverse than ever, thanks to major new developments in industries ranging from agriculture to aerospace and everything in between. With one of the fastest growing economies, and Alabama’s central location in the Southeast region, we are ready for success more than ever. Alabama’s unique and diverse geography offers a variety of opportunity for economic developers to sell to interested prospects. Whether it’s the mountains and valleys, or beaches and rivers, Alabama has it all. Therefore, we rounded up the top three economic changes happening in Alabama to be on the lookout for this year.
1. Brookley Field – Airbus
In November, Airbus announced that an A220 aircraft assembly line is planned to start in 2019, using existing facilities and expanding Brookley field. Ground has already been broken and progress has been made to enable the first A220 delivery from Mobile. The projected completion date remains in 2020.
2. Downtown Developments
Downtown Birmingham has taken on several projects that are beginning to take shape. Orchestra Partners made plans to redevelop the Founders Station in downtown with more condos, a self-serve taproom, restaurants, bars and UAB housing for students. Their goal is to make downtown affordable and lively for their residences.
3. Hyundai’s Expansion
It’s no surprise that Alabama has such tremendous success with automotive manufacturing and to add to the list is Hyundai with a $388 million upgrade to the Montgomery plant in May 2018. Their new engine head machining facility will be operational by the middle of this year when Hyundai begins mass production. The expansion is the largest investment in the Montgomery plant since its opening and will create 50 new jobs for the area.
As new developments, expansions and manufacturing continue to grow across the state, it will be a solid year of growth for Alabama as we make big strides toward the economy.
Email us about projects and economic development stories you’d like to share with our members at administrator@edaa.org.