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.
The Bolta Group celebrated the grand opening of its first production facility in the United States on Friday afternoon in the Tuscaloosa Airport Industrial Park.
The multinational company specializes in automotive surface finishing, applying nickel and chrome plating to plastic parts and decorative trim. Among other things, workers at the new facility will produce the iconic three-pointed star hood ornament for the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International plant in Vance.
The $50 million plant employs 200 today and expects to increase that number to at least 350 workers by the end of 2018, although the head of Bolta's parent company, the Purico Group, said they expect even more growth than that.
Alabama auto sector primed for growth with $1 billion in new investment
Words by Dawn Azok
Alabama's auto industry continues to thrive, racking up new jobs and investments in communities across the state.
Last year, there were at least 68 auto projects, for an estimated total of 3,848 jobs and $907.1 million in new capital investment, according to an analysis of the
2016 New & Expanding Industry Report. New projects announced this year push that total past $1 billion and add hundreds of more jobs.
The projects included new companies and expanding operations, which manufacture everything from intricate vehicle parts and major component systems to entire automobiles.
CSX has designated the South Alabama Mega Site in Bay Minette as a
Select Site.
The site is located between Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, on CSX's mainline.
Situated at the corner of Highway 287 and Interstate 65, the site offers connections to major consumer markets from the Gulf to the Midwest, as well as international markets through the Port of Mobile, said Clark Robertson, CSX's vice president of business development and e-business, in a press release.
Have You Purchased Your Tickets for Alabama's premier innovation event on Aug. 23 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham?
Don't miss the chance to hear bestselling author Thomas L. Friedman live at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham on Aug. 23 at "imerge." Get your tickets now!
Friedman will speak at 4 p.m. and a networking reception follows at 5 p.m. The "imerge" EDPA 2017 Innovation Awards celebration is at 6 p.m. The annual awards highlight companies of all sizes and innovators who strengthen Alabama's economy, generate jobs and develop new ideas. The "imerge" event will continue into the evening with "Celebrate Imagination," beginning at 7 p.m., which offers a taste of Alabama, with delicious food, and live music and entertainment "after parties."
Click here for ticket prices and learn how you can be in the number to get an autographed copy of Friedman's latest book, Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Acceleration.
If you'd like to be a sponsor for this event, email us at [email protected] or call (205) 943-4724 for more information.