Alabama: Soaring To New Heights

In Alabama, aerospace and aviation forge frontiers, while “down to earth” industries grow.

Meanwhile, Peak Renewables will build a wood pellet production facility that will utilize sawmill residuals to make pellets used in renewable power generation. The $30 million project will generate 26 jobs at the Dothan facility.

“The forest products industry has long been a central pillar for Alabama’s economy, and its vitality is attracting significant levels of new investment and driving job growth across the state,” said Secretary Canfield. “These new investment projects in Dothan will inject additional vigor and innovation into this critical sector.”

“The forest products industry has long been a central pillar for Alabama’s economy, and its vitality is attracting significant levels of new investment and driving job growth across the state.” 

— Greg Canfield, Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce said the combined projects represent one of the largest industrial investments in the Southeast Alabama’s Wiregrass region.

Said SmartLam North America’s CEO, Derek Ratchford, “We are strategically located in Alabama to serve the Southeast, the fastest growing mass timber market in the United States. We are currently the largest CLT manufacturer in North America and with the glulam addition, SmartLam will become the largest mass timber (glulam/CLT) producer in North America.”

Peak Renewables CEO Scott Bax said his company’s growth project will include new rail spurs in collaboration with Genessee and Wyoming Railroad. “This facility and the investment will further strengthen the overall forestry economy and bring a world-class wood fiber operating facility to the Dothan area, producing 180,000 MT of wood pellets annually,” Bax said.

Also in Dothan, Gateway Tire announced plans to invest $9 million to expand its distribution hub through a project that will create 30 jobs at the Houston County facility. The project will add 100,000 square feet to an existing 200,000-square-foot warehouse.

Gateway Tire is operated by Dunlap & Kyle Inc., a wholesale and retail tire dealer based in Batesville, MS.

In August, Wellborn Cabinet Inc., a family-owned manufacturer based in Ashland, announced plans to invest nearly $17 million in an expansion project that will create 415 jobs over five years. Wellborn Cabinet intends to build a 250,000-square-foot facility in Oxford.

“Wellborn has long been a landmark business in east Alabama,” said Secretary Canfield, “and I am thrilled that the company continues to grow and thrive.”

Founded in 1961, Wellborn Cabinet employs 1,336 workers within its Alabama manufacturing footprint.

Hyundai Mobis, Beyond Gravity Growing In Alabama

Hyundai Mobis will create 400 jobs at a new EV battery plant; Beyond Gravity will double production for rocket parts, creating 200 jobs.

“As we were looking at areas for expansion opportunities, we wanted to continue our growth within the state of Alabama,” President and CEO Paul Wellborn said. “Oxford was very accommodating and helpful throughout the process. The new location will be close to Interstate 20 and a broader workforce, which are both critical to our success.”