When the economic downturn struck Alabama, the state's prominent automotive manufacturers faced industry-wide challenges as demand declined. Now that the economy shows signs of recovery, Alabama's Big Four auto companies are firing on all cylinders, increasing production shifts to meet growing demands.  

At the peak of the recession, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama saw a temporary drop in light truck sales. In response, HMA added the Accord V6 Sedan to its assembly line, as well as the Ridgeline pickup, transferred from Honda's Canadian plant. "Honda's flexible manufacturing system allows adjustment of product mix based on market demand," says HMA Vice President Mike Oatridge.

Throughout the recession, HMA maintained its 4,000-member team. During the last three years, HMA has announced more than $508 million in investments and has hired more than 400 associates in production and professional positions. Late last year, the plant also began production of a highly automated engine assembly facility.

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[BusinessAlabama]

Southeast manufacturing activity increased in January, according to the latest Purchasing Managers Index report.

The Southeast PMI increased 10 points to 55.6 in January, according to Kennesaw State University's Econometric Center, which issues the report. New orders and production drove up all PMI components except for finished inventory and commodity prices.

Six Southeastern states - Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee - are included in the Econometric Center's monthly regional report. All six experienced higher PMI readings, offsetting its December drop.

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[Montgomery Advertiser]