May 2026

 

Virginia Transformer Corporation Chooses The Shoals for its next Transformer Manufacturing Facility!


A major development is coming to Northwest Alabama as Virginia Transformer announces plans to build a new 600,000-square-foot power transformer manufacturing facility in Muscle Shoals.


This state-of-the-art facility, located at the Shoals Research Airpark in Colbert County, will create 1,100 new jobs and represents a significant long-term investment in our region’s future.


The site selected for this project sits on a 90-acre site along the northern boundary of the park. The park has been zoned heavy industrial since the City of Muscle Shoals purchased it in 2003. The Shoals Economic Development Authority currently owns and maintains the site and remaining available property, and continues to promote the park for industrial development.


Construction begins immediately, with initial production expected to start in January 2028.

Virginia Transformer, the largest power transformer manufacturer in North America, selected the Shoals for its seventh manufacturing facility—further validating Northwest Alabama’s strong workforce, strategic infrastructure, and industrial growth potential.

The new facility will serve customers in utilities, data centers, renewable energy, industrial markets, and more across the U.S. and Canada.


This announcement is another example of the momentum building across the Shoals and the opportunities being created for our communities, workforce, and future generations.

Congratulations to all partners involved in making this project possible and thank you to Virginia Transformer for selecting The Shoals!

The Shoals Receives $4.5 Million from the Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program for Park Improvements!

The Shoals EDA was awarded $4,455,935 for site work and public infrastructure at the Shoals Research Airpark through the Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program. This grant funding will assist in the construction of a fully-functional rail spur into the Shoals Research Airpark, as well as sewer infrastructure that opens the eastern portion of the park to additional development opportunities.

Jason Isbell Unveils Details For 2026's ShoalsFest

Jason Isbell has confirmed the lineup for the fifth edition of ShoalsFest, which features Isbell and the Drive-By Truckers performing their 2003 album, Decoration Day, in its entirety, as well as performances from Jeff Tweedy, S.G. Goodman, Willow Avalon & Steve Trash. Isbell will also take the stage for a set from Isbell and the 400 Unit. 


The festival is set for Oct. 3-4 at McFarland Park in Florence, Alabama, and is brought to fans by Isbell, his manager Traci Thomas and Outback Presents. 

The Shoals EDA Celebrates its 40th Anniversary


This year marks the 40 years since the creation of The Shoals EDA. In 1985, through leaders’ solid efforts and the leadership of the University of North Alabama and the TimesDaily newspaper, the state’s first multi-county public industrial recruitment organization came into existence. In 1996, after a complete strategic plan, SIDA became the organization we know today, the Shoals Economic Development Authority (Shoals EDA).


This was a night to reflect on the accomplishments of the organization and honor the hard work of all involved in the creation and continued support of the Shoals EDA.

Click on each company's name to see their job opportunities!


2nd Shift Multi Craft Maintenance Labor



Flexco is now hiring a 2nd Shift Multi Craft Maintenance Labor in the Tuscumbia, Alabama location!


Multi Craft Maintenance is responsible for the general upkeep of the plant. This position is responsible for the maintenance of electrical, pipes, boilers, presses, mills, mixers, extruders, and overall care of the plant.

 

Bank Independent opens new Muscle Shoals campus

Bank Independent celebrated the grand opening of their "Team Campus" in Muscle Shoals, featuring a nearly 100,000-square-foot main building and 12,000-square-foot warehouse on 50 acres.

Thousands to visit legendary Muscle Shoals studio this summer

Thousands of people are expected to walk through the doors of the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio this summer.

Leaders there say visitors come from all over the country and even from around the world to experience the place known for making music history. Tourism in The Shoals continues to grow, and so does the studio's reach.

 

SkyDog: The Shoals Experience Debuts This August in the Birthplace of Southern Rock

A new destination music event is coming to one of America's most storied recording communities. SkyDog: The Shoals Experience debuts August 28-30, 2026, in Florence, Alabama, bringing together live music, food, film, and storytelling at the Renaissance Shoals Resort and Convention Center.

10 Small Towns in Alabama with the Best Downtowns

Sheffield and Tuscumbia make the list of Top 10 Small Towns in Alabama With The Best Downtowns - WorldAtlas.


Each small town below has a downtown that captures Alabama's character through architecture and long-standing civic spaces.

The purpose of the Shoals Manufacturers' Association (SMA) is to foster a working relationship among Shoals area manufacturers and to promote a healthy business climate, making it feasible for existing companies to expand and/or remain in the Shoals area in a working partnership with the Shoals Economic Development Authority. Shoals area companies involved in the manufacture of products and parts for profit are invited to join SMA.​


For more information, including the cost to join, visit our website. To join or for any questions, contact Rob Jones, Shoals EDA, at (256) 349-5632 or e-mail at rjones@shoalseda.com.

The Shoals Employment Growth Program is designed to encourage full-time employment growth through a streamlined process that provides assistance to eligible applicants offering new employment opportunities for Shoals citizens. Shoals area for-profit companies that operate under certain business activities listed in the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) can be reimbursed up to $8,000 for each new qualifying full-time employee hired, up to ten new full-time employment positions per year.


Click here for more information on the Shoals Employment Growth Program or contact Rob Jones, Shoals EDA, at (256) 349-5632 or e-mail at rjones@shoalseda.com.


SHOALS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | www.shoalseda.com

(256)349-5632

info@shoalseda.com