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.
As Alabama's emphasis shifts from aggressive recruitment to relationship building, the state's physical presence at the 2015 International Paris Air Show might be noticeably smaller than years' past but no less focused.
"Alabama has developed a substantial foundation in the aviation and aerospace sector over many decades, and we want to build on that base to penetrate all levels of the industry supply chain," Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, said.
The weeklong trade show, networking extravaganza and aerospace exposition is expected to attract 2,260 exhibitors from 47 countries and feature some 120 aircraft, about 40 of which will perform flight demonstrations each day. The United States, alone, is billed by organizers as the largest national presence with more than 350 companies represented
The Birmingham-based manufacturer supplied custom-made pipes and valves that were used to deliver drinking water, provide fire protection and manage dewatering pumping systems.
In Kaiser hangar complex, Birmingham sees aerospace potential
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Economic developers think a sprawling hangar complex just off the main runway at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport can help Alabama's largest city make a return flight to an aviation sector that's taking off in the region.
The 1.8 million-square-foot complex, last operated by Kaiser Aircraft Industries, stands on 180 acres just off Interstate 20/59, minutes from downtown Birmingham. The hangar has 10 bays, each 160 feet wide and 725 feet deep, with 40-foot ceilings and concrete floors a foot thick. The complex has a paint hangar, warehouse space, offices and more.
The commercial facility, first operated by Hayes Aircraft Co. and later by Pemco Aeroplex, has a long history in aviation, serving as a center for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations for decades. When Pemco operated the facility a decade ago, its workforce numbered 2,300 and it had major contracts with the military for work on C-130 Hercules transport and KC-135 tanker aircraft.
Southwest Alabama's amenities and spirit of cooperation are on the lips of the more than half a dozen Mobile and Baldwin County officials polled ahead of the 2015 International Paris Air Show.
All told, some two dozen elected, economic recruitment, business and higher education leaders from across the area will be Paris-bound within the next 24 hours for the week-long global aerospace trade show and exposition.
From the Airbus effect and managing expectations surrounding sector growth to positioning the region for continued global attention and the research capabilities the expanding sector is creating right here at home, enjoy these excerpts from interviews with several key Team Mobile delegates to the biennial event, expected to attract 2,260 exhibitors from 47 countries.
