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Greetings!

 

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

 

In this issue:
Austal USA: Making waves in workforce development
Governor Robert Bentley to lead Alabama economic development mission to Japan
Toyota-Alabama head to join governor to Japan
Honda's direct North American employment exceeds 28,000 in 2013
$46 million U.S. Treasury building under construction in downtown Birmingham (Slideshow and Video)
Steelscape to close Fairfield plant in December, 62 workers will lose jobs
Barber Motorsports Park makes Jalopnik's top 10 list of most beautiful race tracks in the world (photos)

 


Austal USA: Making waves in workforce development

on November 09, 2013

MOBILE, Alabama - With a 10-hour shift in the rearview, they pass each other daily by the hundreds - hardhats and lunchboxes in hand - at Austal USA's shift change on Mobile's waterfront.

 

The Australian shipbuilder has hired about 3,000 since November 2009, and is on pace to reach its goal of 4,000 employees for its U.S. base of operations by the close of 2013, making it the largest private sector employer in Mobile County.

 

"Our game plan is to level out to support both of our programs going forward," said President Craig Perciavalle, referring to the two classes of aluminum vessels in various stages of assembly and delivery at the sprawling complex.

 

more...

[al.com]

 

 


 

Governor Robert Bentley to lead Alabama economic development mission to Japan


MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Governor Robert Bentley will travel to Japan on an economic development mission with the goal of recruiting more jobs to Alabama and strengthening relationships with Japanese companies that already have facilities in the state.

 

The governor departed on Sunday, November 10, to begin a week-long series of meetings with various employers to discuss opportunities for growth that would lead to more new jobs for Alabamians. Governor Bentley, along with Alabama Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield and the Department of Commerce's Asian business development expert, Hollie Pegg, will meet with Japanese trade officials, biotech industry representatives, and key executives at Toyota,Honda and other companies with operations in Alabama. The team will wrap up meetings early Friday, November 15, before returning to Alabama.

 

"My number-one priority is bringing more jobs to Alabama, and this economic development mission will help us do just that," Governor Bentley said. "The State of Alabama enjoys a strong business relationship with several companies that are based in Japan. Thousands of people in Alabama have a job today thanks to that ongoing relationship. By building on those relationships and by discussing our positive business climate, we can further our goal of recruiting more jobs to Alabama."


 more...

 

[madeinalabama.com]

 

 

 


 

Toyota-Alabama head to join governor to Japan
By WAFF.com Staff
Posted: Nov 09, 2013
  
HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) -Governor Robert Bentley and other state officials are traveling overseas on a trade mission.

 

Among those accompanying Governor Bentley will be the head of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, Jim Bolte. Bolte will be alongside the governor for a full day of meetings with Toyota executives on Wednesday. 

 

So far, Toyota has invested $800 million in its Huntsville plant.

 

more...

 

[WAFF.com]

 

 

 


 

Honda's direct North American employment exceeds 28,000 in 2013
Nov. 8, 2013

For those 'old school' Made in America automotive enthusiasts, read on as 28,000 of your friends and neighbors work for Honda manufacturing with an additional 148,000 employed by the Honda brand dealership networks and distributors. Honda of North America had no "measurable" manufacturing related layoffs during the economic meltdown. No other automotive based manufacture in the U.S. can make that claim.

Honda of North America has been manufacturing in the United States since 1989. The automaker has expanded its R&D, technical development and "lean" manufacturing principles to include everything from the Accord sitting in your driveway to the race-ready motorcycle or quad sitting in your ( sometimes) loud but friendly neighbor across the street.

 

From the most dependable, reliable mower and generator assembly in the industry, to ranch ready quads and off-road race ready dirtbikes, track bikes and street burners, many , designed and built in the U.S.. And then there's Indycar, Nascar, Jr. Cart, G.T., G.P., Club racing, and Jet development, much of it designed in Torrance, Santa Clarita or Mountain View, Ca. Of-course if you live in Ohio, Alabama or California, you already know that, and, may have a friend or relative that works in Honda manufacturing, R&D, Technical or race development.


In 2012, Honda of North America's direct manufacturing payroll exceeded $1.2 Billion, and added 2000 + new manufacturing jobs to the U.S. economy.

 

more...

 

[TorqueNews.com]

 

 

 


$46 million U.S. Treasury building under construction in downtown Birmingham (Slideshow and Video)

on November 08, 2013 
 

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Construction has started on the $46 million U.S. Treasurybuilding in downtown Birmingham, more than two years after first announced.

 

Once complete, the 86,000-square-foot building will replace U.S. Treasury facilities in Homewood and be home to more than 250 workers.

 

Birmingham Mayor William Bell joined officials from developer Corporate Realty Development and general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie at an event this morning marking the start of construction, which began earlier this week.

 

The 86,000-square-foot, three-story building has gone through several revisions as theGeneral Services Administration, which oversees the development and leasing of government buildings, made changes to the original plan.

 

more...

 

[al.com]


 

 

 


Steelscape to close Fairfield plant in December, 62 workers will lose jobs

on November 08, 2013 

FAIRFIELD, Alabama -- Manufacturer Steelscape is closing its Fairfield plant by the end of the year, according to a company spokesperson.

 

Steelscape is a national supplier of metallic-coated and pre-painted steel, most of which is sold to the construction industry, and also has plants in Kalama, Wash., and Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

 

The firm's operations in Fairfield will cease by the end of December, according to Jennifer N. Brooks, the firm's regional counsel in West Sacramento, Calif.

 

The closing was also posted this week at the web site for the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

 

According to that announcement, the palnt line in Fairfield -- located at 7001 Valley Road -- will be closed Dec. 20, and 62 workers will be affected.


 more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Barber Motorsports Park makes Jalopnik's top 10 list of most beautiful race tracks in the world (photos)
on November 08, 2013 

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and Barber Motorsports Park is what that eye beheld.

 

The track made Jalopnik's list of the 10 most beautiful tracks in the world. 

 

It is rated as No. 9, just ahead of No. 10 Autodromo di Pergusa in Italy and just behind No. 8 Ebisu Circuit in Japan.

 

No. 1 was Fuji Speedway in Japan.

 

The recognition was a surprise to staffers with Barber Companies. Don Erwin, Barber's vice president for development, was familiar with Jalopnik but had not heard of this particular survey.

 

more...

 

[al.com]

 

 

 




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