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.
One of Irondale's largest employers is renovating its headquarters to accommodate its growth.
Motion Industries, an industrial parts distributor, is planning a complete $9.6 million renovation that will add 20 percent capacity to the existing facility, said Joe Limbaugh Jr., vice president of operations, distribution and properties.
The renovation will make room for at least 50 new employees, he said.
A leading maritime industry news source has recognized an ongoing terminal expansion project at the Port of Mobile as its Port Infrastructure Development of the Year.
A diverse range of categories spanned environmental topics ("Best Technology for Cleaner Emissions"), data handling ("Cyber Security Innovation Award") and business feats ("Deal of the Year"). APM Terminals, which operates an expanding container terminal in Mobile, was picked for "Port Infrastructure Development of the Year."
ALABAMA BIOTECH INDUSTRY WAS SLOW IN THE BEGINNING BUT SEEING STEADY GROWTH
BY MARK KELLY
FOR THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES
May 31, 2018
The founding of Southern Research Institute and the location of the Medical College of Alabama in the 1940s, along with the establishment of the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1969, created a firm foundation for the development of Alabama's biotechnology sector.
The eminent Alabama historian Wayne Flynt has referred to the emergence of biotech as "fundamental to economic change" that gained a foothold in the state beginning in the 1970s.
Among the startups that led that initial wave of biotech growth was Avanti Polar Lipids. The venture that became Avanti began in 1967.