Alabama Department of Commerce
“In this age of new, disruptive technologies, our team is going to continue working very hard to make sure that Alabama can successfully compete for the kind of game-changing projects that make a difference in the lives of our citizens.“
— Ellen McNair, Secretary,
Alabama Department of Commerce
TARGETED GROWTH SECTORS
Automotive: Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai are producing their first U.S.-built electric vehicles in Alabama, giving a thriving auto sector a new dimension.
Aerospace: More than 300 aerospace companies from 30 different countries have chosen Alabama, including industry giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Airbus.
Bioscience: Alabama’s bioscience industry is growing with new private-sector investment projects valued at $230 million that will create more than 730 jobs.
TOP PROJECTS
COMPANY | LOCATION | JOBS |
First Solar | Lawrence County | 700 |
Hyundai Mobis | Montgomery | 400 |
Sierra Pacific | Phenix City | 300 |
Trendco USA | Tuskegee | 292 |
Manna Capital Partners | Montgomery | 280 |
FEATURED LOCATIONS
The Alabama Department of Commerce is the state’s lead economic development agency. In addition to business development activities, Commerce promotes exporting and international opportunities for Alabama companies, assists small businesses and houses the state’s primary workforce development program, AIDT.
HudsonAlpha is a biotech and agtech campus accelerating innovations to the marketplace by co-locating genomic R&D, workforce training, startups, and established biosciences enterprises. Over 1000 people work on the campus, which is home to more than 45 biotech companies and the Institute’s non-profit genomic research laboratories.
FAST FACTS
Population (July 2022 est.): 5,074,296¹
Largest Cities (2020): Huntsville (215,043); Montgomery (200,006); Birmingham (200,133); Mobile (186,411); Tuscaloosa (99,960)¹
Real GDP (2022): $213.3 billion²
¹ U.S. Census Bureau
² Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Dept. of Commerce
WORKFORCE PROGRAM
In April 2023, Gov. Kay Ivey signed a legislative package called “The Game Plan” to fortify economic development by improving Alabama’s primary incentives platform, accelerating industrial site development and supercharging growth in the state’s innovation economy.
TOP BUSINESS FACILITIES RANKINGS
#3 Customized Workforce Training | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Automotive | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Manufacturing Jobs (% of workforce) | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Manufacturing Output (% of GDP) | 2023 State Rankings |
Top 10 Best Aerospace/Defense | 2023 State Rankings |
#2 Housing Growth (Mid-Sized Cities): Mobile | 2023 Metro Rankings |
Top 5 Manufacturing Hubs (Small): Tuscaloosa | 2023 Metro Rankings |
Top 10 Manufacturing Hubs (Mid-Sized): Mobile | 2023 Metro Rankings |
Top 10 Most Affordable (Mid-Sized; Over 50K Pop.): Mobile | 2023 Metro Rankings |
Top 10 Top Performing Container Ports: Port of Mobile | 2023 Metro Rankings |
LATEST NEWS
Site Selection For Advanced Manufacturing
These modern manufacturers value workers, speed-to-market, and a supportive environment in location decision-making.
Pecan Processor To Create 120 Jobs In Alabama
Southern Roots Nut Co. will invest over $16M to open a pecan processing facility in Dothan. Meanwhile, $30M in grants will support development of industry-ready sites under Alabama's new SEEDS program.
Douglas Manufacturing Expands Pell City, AL Facility
Douglas Manufacturing Co. plans to invest nearly $11.7 million to expand its production facility in St. Clair County, Alabama.