EDPA NewsFlash - March 9, 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:

Mazda, Toyota establish joint venture company for Huntsville plant

6 companies to participate in Alabama Launchpad finale March 15

Refrigerated food warehouse coming to Dothan is expected to create 50 jobs

$315 million from RESTORE Act to fund projects in Mobile, Baldwin counties

Mazda, Toyota establish joint venture company for Huntsville plant

By William Thornton

[email protected]

March 9

In the next step toward their Huntsville venture, Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. have announced the establishment of a joint-venture company.

Mazda Toyota Manufacturing USA, Inc., or (MTMUS), says the full-scale construction of its $1.6 billion Huntsville plant will begin in 2019. When fully operational in 2021, the plant is expected to employ 4,000 people.

Both Mazda and Toyota will have a 50 percent stake in the company, with Mazda Executive Officer Masashi Aihara serving as president and Hironori Kagohashi, executive general manager of Toyota, serving as executive vice president.

more...

[ al.com]

6 companies to participate in Alabama Launchpad finale March 15

By William Thornton

[email protected]

March 8

Six Alabama companies will face off in Prattville on March 15 and compete for $150,000 in the latest Startup Competition Finale for Alabama Launchpad.

The finale will be held at Creekside in downtown Prattville, near 243 S. Court St. The event begins at 4 p.m. and is a continuation of imerge, the annual celebration of innovation in Alabama.

The event is open to the public. Admission is $10 for students and startups, to $20 for investors and corporate tickets. The finale will feature a panel discussion, food, networking opportunities and live music.

more...

[ al.com]

Refrigerated food warehouse coming to Dothan is expected to create 50 jobs

Lance Griffin

Mar 8, 2018

The Houston County Commission Monday is expected to authorize crews to prepare a site for a new large refrigerated warehouse that could create more than 50 jobs when fully operational.

The food storage and distribution facility was discussed Thursday during the Houston County Commission Administrative meeting. The commission will have to formally approve the site work during its regular meeting Monday morning.

The warehouse will be built near the intersection of Westgate Parkway and Technology Drive and will provide about 70,000 square feet of storage space with the flexibility to expand if needed.

more...

[ Dothan Eagle]

$315 million from RESTORE Act to fund projects in Mobile, Baldwin counties

By Lawrence Specker

[email protected]

Mar 8

A whopping $315 million is coming to infrastructure, environmental restoration and economic development projects in Mobile and Baldwin Counties, courtesy of the RESTORE Act and the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council.

It's funding nearly 50 projects, some of which have obvious potential to change life on the coast. The biggest include $56 million for five major road expansion projects in Baldwin County, $28 million for a new facility at the Port of Mobile, $27 million for projects affecting Dauphin Island's Aloe Bay and $21 million to redevelop the docks in Bayou La Batre.

Tens of millions of dollars will go to projects to improve water-sewer systems and eliminate sewage overflows.

more...

[ al.com]