EDPA NewsFlash - March 7, 2018

Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an EDPA Partner.

In this issue:

Alabama ranks No. 3 for auto exports, with shipments to 88 nations in 2017

Federal grant to help Port of Mobile add vehicle-handling facility

Livability tech hotspot list features 2 Alabama cities

AeroStar expansion driven by confidence in Mobile aerospace growth, founder says

Alabama ranks No. 3 for auto exports, with shipments to 88 nations in 2017

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Alabama's auto industry continues to dominate on the international stage, as state-built models were shipped to 88 countries around the globe last year.

Motor vehicle exports topped $7.75 billion in 2017, according to the latest trade data reviewed by the Alabama Department of Commerce.

That makes Alabama the No. 3 auto exporter among U.S. states, trailing only Michigan and South Carolina. California and Kentucky round out the top five.

more...

[Made in Alabama]

Federal grant to help Port of Mobile add vehicle-handling facility

By Lawrence Specker

[email protected]

March 7, 2018

The U.S. Department of Transportation has announced a $12.7 million grant that will help add a new feature to the Alabama State Docks in Mobile: A vehicle-friendly loading site that could serve the state's growing automotive industry.

According to information released Tuesday by the DOT, the project being funded by the grant "converts an abandoned bulk handling facility at the Port of Mobile into a roll-on/roll-off mobile vehicle processing facility."

It will be able to handle automobiles, military vehicles, trucks, and other rolling stock that can be driven or towed directly onto ships.

more..

[ al.com]

Livability tech hotspot list features 2 Alabama cities

By William Thornton

[email protected]

Mar 6

Alabama is home to two cities that made Livability's list of 5 up and coming tech hubs.

Livability maintains an online presence for researching communities, and monthly and annual lists of cities, defining the best places to live in America. Among tech hubs, it went looking for communities that are affordable and inclusive enough for entrepreneurs to find a good starting place.

Checking in at No. 2 on the list is Huntsville and Birmingham.

more...

[ al.com]

AeroStar expansion driven by confidence in Mobile aerospace growth, founder says

By Lawrence Specker

[email protected]

March 7

By comparison with the big plans of Airbus and Bombardier, Mobile-based AeroStar's announcement last week that it will create 28 new jobs may seem small.

But if you're looking for signs that Mobile's aerospace boom has depth and the potential to continue developing for years to come, there's nothing small about Greg Guzman's decision to more than double the size of his seven-year-old company.

Guzman says the move was under consideration for more than a year before AeroStar leadership decided to go big.

more...

[al.com]