FOLEY, Alabama -- Some businesses and areas still face tough times, but employment and the economy are on the rise in Alabama, Gov. Robert Bentley told members of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.
Bentley cited industries such as Goodrich Manufacturing in Foley as examples of Alabama companies that have grown.
"Goodrich has been here 29 years and we have had a lot of good companies in the state for a number of years, but it seemed to really begin to mushroom when we recruited Mercedes to Tuscaloosa," Bentley said.
During the lunch chamber meeting, Van Halfacre, manager of the Foley Goodrich plant, said the facility has grown from a small startup 29 years ago to two plants that employ more than 800 people. He said he expects a planned acquisition of Goodrich by United Technologies will create more jobs in Foley.
"While there is some concern about the world economy, all local plans are for stable continued growth," he said.
The Foley operation includes a plant that makes and repairs aircraft engine housings called nacelles, and a repair and maintenance division.
