October 2026

National Manufacturing Month in The Shoals

October is National Manufacturing Month, and throughout the month, the Shoals Economic Development Authority had the opportunity to tour and highlight four of our existing industries: North American Lighting, TASUS, Southwire's 12 for Life, and ProjectXYZ. Each of these businesses plays a different role in our local manufacturing industry, producing a variety of products and providing career opportunities throughout the area.

Together, these four businesses and programs represent more than 2,000 jobs in the Shoals, highlighting the importance of manufacturing to our local economy.

North American Lighting

North American Lighting (NAL) began operations in Muscle Shoals in 2007 and has grown to employ more than 1,600 people at its local facility. NAL specializes in manufacturing automotive lighting systems and supplies products to major automotive brands. During our recent tour, we had the opportunity to see firsthand the work that goes into producing these lighting systems and learn more about the facility's operations.

TASUS

TASUS began operations in Florence in 2012 and employs approximately 160 people today. The Florence facility specializes in plastic injection molding and value-added assembly for the automotive industry. TASUS continues to be an important part of the area's automotive manufacturing industry, and we appreciate all they do for our community.

Southwire's 12 for Life

Southwire's 12 for Life program takes a different approach to manufacturing by providing high school students with the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience while continuing their education and earning a paycheck. Since the program began in Florence, 702 students have graduated through 12 for Life. The program helps introduce students to manufacturing careers while allowing them to develop valuable workplace skills and gain experience that can benefit them after graduation.

ProjectXYZ

ProjectXYZ employs approximately 160 people at its Muscle Shoals location and specializes in automotive and electronic manufacturing and assembly, along with robotic technologies and equipment. ProjectXYZ also specializes in plastic injection molding, producing components for the automotive industry. We appreciate ProjectXYZ's continued commitment to manufacturing in the Shoals and all they do for our community.

The Importance of Manufacturing in The Shoals

While each of these businesses specializes in different areas of manufacturing, they all contribute to the economic success of the Shoals by providing jobs and opportunities for our community.

National Manufacturing Month is an opportunity to recognize the businesses and employees who contribute to our local manufacturing industry each day. We appreciate North American Lighting, TASUS, Southwire’s 12 for Life, and ProjectXYZ for welcoming us into their facilities and allowing us to learn more about what they do.

We are grateful for each of these businesses, along with all of our local manufacturers, for their continued commitment to the Shoals.

Flexco's Commitment to Manufacturing in The Shoals

Since beginning operations in Tuscumbia in 1949, Flexco has grown into a flooring manufacturer whose products reach customers across the United States and around the world. Today, Flexco employs approximately 300 people and continues to be an important part of The Shoals’ manufacturing industry.

Flexco specializes in manufacturing rubber and vinyl flooring for a variety of commercial spaces, including hospitals, schools, gyms, and more. Flexco products can also be found at local retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. One of its unique capabilities is the ability to customize flooring to match almost any color a customer requests. Whether it’s a T-shirt, company logo, or another color sample, Flexco can work to create flooring that matches the customer’s desired color. [...]

Episode 1 of Pure Shoals: Featuring Lindsay Cline with Hadrian

We're excited to share our very first episode of Pure Shoals, the Shoals Economic Development Authority's new podcast! In this episode, we sat down with Lindsay Cline with Hadrian to discuss hiring, workforce, timelines, doing business with Hadrian, and more!

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

Forsythe & Long Industries is hiring!

Forsythe & Long is expanding, with 40,000 square feet of new manufacturing space opening soon!

Available positions include:

Sr. Electrical and Controls Engineer
Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer
Draftsman
Maintenance Supervisor
Multi-craft Maintenance
Operators
Fabricators
Accounting Clerk

If you're interested, apply online today!

Jason Isbell and Drive-By Truckers Reunite at ShoalsFest

Jason Isbell joined the Drive-By Truckers on stage at ShoalsFest in Florence for their first full performance together in 19 years. The long-awaited reunion featured a performance of their 2003 album Decoration Day in its entirety at McFarland Park. [...]

Trowbridge's Named Among 8 Small-Town Alabama Ice Cream Parlors That Have Been Scooping Homemade Flavors for Decades

Not many soda fountains in the South have stayed in business as long as Trowbridge's, which opened in 1918. Generations of the same family have kept it running in downtown Florence. The menu leans classic, with ice cream, sandwiches, and its well-known orange-pineapple flavor that regulars order without even looking at the board. [...]

Bank Independent Stadium Opens at the University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama celebrated the opening of Bobby Wallace Field at Bank Independent Stadium, marking the first time in school history that a football game was played on campus. Nearly 12,000 students, alumni, and fans gathered for the historic event as the UNA Lions defeated Alcorn State in their first home game at Bank Independent Stadium. The new stadium brings a nearly 50-year vision to life and provides a new gathering place for the university and Shoals community. [...]

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport Offering Direct Flights to Dallas-Fort Worth

Starting in November, Contour Airlines will offer nonstop flights from Muscle Shoals to Dallas five times a week. This will add a new travel option for Shoals passengers. The new direct route to Dallas-Fort Worth will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, departing at 7:50 a.m. and arriving at 9:50 a.m. Return flights will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, leaving at 5 p.m. and arriving in Muscle Shoals at 6:50 p.m. [...]

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