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:

 


State official advises commission on megasite project 

BY LISA SAVAGE
Times Staff Writer 
July 14, 2015 

Developing the Little Canoe Creek property as a megasite will be a long and costly process, but the result could be hundreds of jobs in Etowah County.

 

Ted Clem, director of business development with the Alabama Department of Commerce, met with the County Commission Tuesday to explain how the state can be involved and assist in the project.

The commission has 850 acres and is in the process of acquiring an additional 150 acres to meet the minimum acreage required for a megasite.

 

more...

 



Wayne Farms expansion well underway
Ebony Davis
Business Reporter

July 14, 2015


 

It was a little more than a year ago when Wayne Farms LLC, one of Houston County's largest employers, announced it would cut more than half its local workforce because of a long-term agreement with another company.


 

On Wednesday, officials gave more details about the expansion project at the Dothan plant that will likely bring back most of the job slots lost in 2014.


 

Wayne Farm's Dothan operations manager Todd McMahen said the company will begin its hiring of an estimated 400 to 500 new production and maintenance employees in August. Wages for the positions that were lost were between $9 and $11.50 an hour. McMahen said the average wage of the new jobs will be $10.80. The jobs are expected to be post ed online atwaynefarms.com and inside local career centers by August.

 

more....

 

[Dothan Eagle]

 


Alabama Power seeking up to 500 megawatts of renewable generation, including solar

By Michael Tomberlin

July 14, 2015


 

Alabama Power seeks to add renewables from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.

Alabama Power aims to boost its renewable power options in a move that could allow the company to offer more solar power than it has ever offered before.

 

The company said, in response to growing customer interest, it is seeking approval for up to 500 megawatts of generation from renewable resources, including solar.

 

In June, Alabama Power filed a petition with the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC) to allow the company to pursue a variety of projects up to 80 megawatts each, totaling up to 500 megawatts over a six-year period. The company has identified solar as one of the areas for potential growth in renewables.

 

[Alabama NewsCenter]

 


Hargrove Engineers, Evonik team on $100M expansion of Theodore plant

Bryan Davis Reporter Birmingham Business Journal
Jul 14, 2015

Hargrove Engineers + Contractors has teamed with Germany-based Evonik on a $100 million expansion to Evonik's Theodore chemical plant.

 

The new production facility for Evonik's new Agrochemical Intermediate will be completed by the late summer of 2016, a release from Hargrove Engineers said.

 

"Evonik and Hargrove are both key players in Mobile's industrial and engineering landscape, and our partnership illustrates the talent of our workforce," said Ralph A. Hargrove, president of Hargrove Engineers + Constructors. "This project represents a major investment into our community and is a testament to what Mobile has to offer."

 

more...

 

[Birmingham Business Journal]



 

 

 

 


UA signs research deal with Japanese electronics maker
By Ed Enoch
Staff Writer
July 14, 2015 

Japanese electronics manufacturer TDK Corp. and the University of Alabama have signed a research agreement focused on the next generation of new magnetic materials that could lead to technology breakthroughs in electronics.

 

The agreement between TDK and UA's Center for Materials for Information Technology (MINT) builds on an existing relationship between the two, according to Carl Pinkert, UA vice president of research and economic development.

 

"This takes that relationship to a much higher level," Pinkert said.



more...

 




Bill Taylor Scholarship Recipient

By Tine Hoffmeister, AGP

July/2015 

 

In June, I had the great pleasure of presenting the AlabamaGermany Partnership "Bill Taylor Scholarship". The recipient was Wallace State Community College student Scott Bartlett.


 

The scholarship was named after former Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) CEO and President Bill Taylor (now President of EDPA). This award is given annually through the AAMA Scholarship program. The scholarship is given to a student residing in Alabama with an objective in pursuing a career in automotive manufacturing.


 

Scott Barlett, who turned 42 that month, is currently in this third semester of Wallace State's Industrial Electronics. The Fairview native says "I'm very honored and surprised to earn the scholarship. I didn't apply myself as I should have in high school and didn't deserve anything back then. As an adult, I'm more mature. It's actually flattering to be named as scholarship recipient. Any scholarship money you can get helps". Mr. Bartlett also received the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA)'s scholarship.


 

To read the full story in the AlabamaGermany Partnership July 2015 newsletter, please click here

 



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