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:
200 new jobs coming to Opelika as Baxter manufacturing expands
Synapse Wireless in Huntsville emerging as a high-tech leader in intelligent connectivity
Construction now underway on $16 million addition to GKN Aerospace in Tallassee
Calhoun, Toyota officially open joint-training program

  


 

200 new jobs coming to Opelika as Baxter manufacturing expands
By WSFA 12 News Staff
Oct 02, 2014

OPELIKA, AL (WSFA) - There are 200 jobs headed to Alabama with the expansion of Baxter International's manufacturing facility. State and local leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility in Opelika on Wednesday, a familiar location for announcing good news, according to the governor.

 

"You know, I visit over here more than, I believe, any place in the state of Alabama as far as announcing jobs," said Gov. Robert Bentley. "It's just amazing how many jobs are coming to this area, it's a good place."

 

The plant expansion is a $300 million investment for Baxter, adding an additional 230,000 square feet to its campus in Opelika and also creating 200 new, full-time jobs.

 

more...[wsfa.com]

 

  


Synapse Wireless in Huntsville emerging as a high-tech leader in intelligent connectivity

By Lucy Berry

October 02, 2014 

 

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama - A wireless solutions provider founded in the Rocket City seven years ago marked a major company milestone Thursday morning at its 1-year-old facility in Cummings Research Park.

 

Synapse Wireless, which has more than 21 patents, celebrated its move into the SAIC building on 6723 Odyssey Drive in Huntsville and doubled its workforce.Acquired by Birmingham's McWane, Inc. in 2012, the 147-employee company has added more than 60 workers to its engineering staff during the past year.

 

The ceremony also recognized Synapse's 8-year-old SNAP technology, an Internet of Things (IoT) network operating system that has more than 6,000 registered developers. Some of Synapse's biggest commercial clients include the U.S. Army, American Airlines and General Motors.


 

more...[al,com

 

  


Construction now underway on $16 million addition to GKN Aerospace in Tallassee

October 02, 2014 

 

TALLASSEE, Alabama -- Construction officially began today on the $16 million addition to GKN Aerospace's Tallassee facility that will house an engineering design center.

 

The company announced the 10,800 square feet expansion at the Farnborough International Airshow near London in July. It is expected to create 30 new jobs, and the initial hiring has already begun, according to company officials.

 

Initial work at the new center will focus on advanced technologies in composite materials for rotorcraft.  

 

 

more...[al.com]

 

 

  


 

Calhoun, Toyota officially open joint-training program

For The News Courier

October 2, 2014 

 

Calhoun Community College and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama, in conjunction with local industry partners, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for a new, innovative education-to-work initiative designed to further enhance Alabama's workforce for years to come.

 

The event, conducted at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park, Phase II facility across from Calhoun's Decatur campus, attracted dozens of local elected officials, business leaders and educators.

 

more...[enewscourier.com]

 

 

  



What makes a good business pitch? A discussion with Josh Girvin of Atlas RFID Solutions

October 02, 2014 

 

Last week was Innovation Week, here in Birmingham. One of the many, many events going on was a startup competition. 

 

I followed Blondin Bioscience in the week before the finalecovered the final pitch at Workplay on Thursday, and reported on the competition awards winners on Friday

 

The five judges for the competition were business leaders from across the state. 

Given all of the strategy, indecision, and worry leading up to the final pitch, I thought I would reach out to some of the judges and try and find out exactly what it is they are looking for in a pitch. 

 

 

more...[al.com]

 




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Enjoy the day, 

Val Walton
   
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