EDPA NewsFlash

 

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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:
County and city leaders of Cleburne County gain insights on business recruitment
Pharmavite plans to expand in Opelika, add jobs
Hyundai unveils new-look Sonata in Montgomery
Bentley to attend announcement of new facility in Vance to supply Mercedes-Benz
Manufacturer coming to Greenville
Business development mission to South Korea and Taiwan targets trade, investment
BL Harbert International will expand in Alabama with a new office in Huntsville

 


 

County and city leaders of Cleburne County gain insights on business recruitment
By Laura Camper
Apr 16, 2014 

HEFLIN - Economic development experts from Birmingham sparked a show of unity at the Heflin Industrial Development Board meeting on Tuesday that could benefit area residents.

Representatives from the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, whose mission is to attract and retain industry in the state, spent the day in Cleburne County with board members getting to know the region and some of the local elected officials.

They capped off the day speaking to members at the board's monthly meeting.

Cleburne County commissioners, the county administrator, the mayors of Heflin and Ranburne, Heflin City Council members, school officials, developers and businessmen all sat together with board members to hear how to attract business and jobs to the county.

"You've got the right people here," said Greg Knighton, vice president of EDPA. "You've got to have all the stakeholders at the table."


more...

[Anniston Star]

 

 

 

 

 


Pharmavite plans to expand in Opelika, add jobs

 Drew Taylor | Opelika-Auburn News 

April 15, 2014 

 

A national vitamin company is preparing to expand its Opelika plant.

 

On Tuesday night, the Opelika City Council approved a 10-year tax abatement to Pharmavite for a $21.6 million expansion that will bring in 54 jobs over three years. Other items included in the expansion includes new machinery and other equipment.

 

Pharmavite opened its Opelika plant in January 2013, where they currently employ 245 people. The plant represents a capital investment of $89 million in Opelika.

 

"If you all are not buying Nature Made vitamins (a Pharmavite product), you should be and that's what Laura (wife) buys," Fuller said. "They're a wonderful company and they make great vitamins, so we're excited about Pharmavite."

 

more...

 

[Opelika-Auburn News]

 


 

Hyundai unveils new-look Sonata in Montgomery
By Brad Harper
Apr. 16, 2014

Alabama took the spotlight Wednesday as Hyundai raised the curtain on a radical change to its popular, Montgomery-made Sonata.

 

It's the first complete redesign in four years, and it's more than skin deep. Upgrades range from a more ergonomic interior to Apple CarPlay, which provides iPhone-like features that you can control with voice commands.

It goes into production May 12, but the Alabama plant has already rolled out more than 500 as part of the quality testing process.

 

Montgomery workers stood around one of the new Sonatas at the plant on Wednesday to help take the wraps off the sedan during a live broadcast shown at the New York Auto Show. Director of Quality Chris Susock led the cheers and invited those at the auto show to visit the plant.


more...

 

[Montgomery Advertiser]

 

 

 


Bentley to attend announcement of new facility in Vance to supply Mercedes-Benz 

Staff report

April 15, 2014 

Toyota Boshoku, a major supplier of automotive seats and interior parts, is expected to unveil plans today for a new operation in Vance that will supply Mercedes-Benz U.S. International.

 

Gov. Robert Bentley is expected to attend the 10 a.m. announcement, according to the Governor's Office.

 

Toyota Boshoku is expected to start production this summer. 

 

more...

 

[Tuscaloosa News]

 

 


 Manufacturer coming to Greenville

 By Andy Brown

April 15, 2014

 

A new manufacturer is coming to town and is set to purchase a building previously owned by the City of Greenville.

Terrell Window Fixtures, which will produce shutters, blinds and window shades, will be housed in the former Fortex Manufacturing building, which is located on Thames Street.

 

The company could be up and running by the end of May, according to president and CEO Al Brannon, provided company officials are able to get the necessary work on the building completed.

 

The city was given the building in in December of 2008 by John Norman. It has primarily been used as a storage facility for the last five years.

 

more...

 

[Greenville Advocate]


 



 

 

 


 

 Business development mission to South Korea and Taiwan targets trade, investment


MONTGOMERY, Alabama - A team from the Alabama Department of Commerce led a business development mission to South Korea and Taiwan that sought to strengthen the state's commercial ties with the Asian economic powerhouses.

 

The Commerce team was headed by Secretary Greg Canfield and included Hollie Pegg, assistant director of business development for the department, and Hilda Lockhart, director of the International trade division. They departed April 5 and began their return April 11.

 

Leaders and economic development officials from communities across Alabama joined the team in Seoul, South Korea, for an "Invest in Alabama" presentation at the U.S. Embassy. The community officials also had private meetings with Korean companies as part of the business development mission.

 

South Korea is a key trading partner for Alabama, with two-way trade in 2013 measured at $2.5 billion. Alabama also has been a magnet for investment by South Korean companies such asHS AutomotiveTaesung and others that have recently announced projects in the state.


 

more...

 

[madeinalabama.com]



 

 

 


 



BL Harbert International is no stranger to Huntsville.

 

The Birmingham-based contractor has completed a long list of projects in the north Alabama city, and this week the company announced it has expanded its office operations to the Huntsville metro.

 

"We have worked in the Huntsville area continuously for more than 15 years, and our roots here run deep," says Gary W. Savage, President of BL Harbert's U.S. Group, "We love the area, the city, and most of all the people. Given the positive business environment and the quality of the local workforce, North Alabama is a real bright spot in our state's economy. BL Harbert wants to continue to be a partner in that future and is pleased to officially announce the opening of our new office in Huntsville."


more...

 

[Birmingham Business Journal]

 

 


 

 




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