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:
U.S. Navy awards Austal USA $53.4 million contract to build more ships in Mobile
Girls get the skinny on lean manufacturing
How the Alabama Innovation Fund set UAB up for future success
Amerex co-founder was Alabama industry's leading lady


U.S. Navy awards Austal USA $53.4 million contract to build more ships in Mobile
By Kelli M. Dugan
October 30, 2015

Austal USA's plans to continue outfitting the U.S. Navy's 21st-century fleet from its Mobile shipyard crystallized Thursday with the announcement of a $53.4 million preliminary materials contract, setting the stage for construction of its 11th high-speed vessel.

"We are excited that the Navy is building on the momentum and the maturity of the original contract and extending it beyond the first 10 ships," Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said.

The contract allows Austal USA to procure long-lead time materials such as main propulsion engines, generators, water jets and main reduction gears for the next Mobile-built expeditionary fast transport, or EPF, known formerly as the joint high speed vessel.

more..,


Girls get the skinny on lean manufacturing
Times Staff Writer
October 29, 2015

More than 25 girls from local high schools Thursday got to see and experience a bit of what manufacturing is like, touring the Inteva plant and putting together an assembly line with a timed exercise.

The Alabama Technology Network and Gadsden State Community College brought students in for Girls Employed in Manufacturing, an event designed to change some perceptions of who can succeed in manufacturing and to draw attention to the opportunities a career in manufacturing can offer.

Students became involved because they were interested in manufacturing and their counselors recommended the program.

more...


How the Alabama Innovation Fund set UAB up for future success

Alan Alexander Reporter Birmingham Business Journal
Oct. 30, 2015

The Alabama Innovation Fund has awarded more than $10 million to research projects around the state since being established as part of the Accelerate Alabama plan in 2012.

Birmingham has received $4.1 million of that total. The University of Alabama at Birmingham has taken the lion's share of $3.2 million, followed by Jefferson County at $650,000 and Southern Research at $164,000.

And those AIF funds have been critical for the research enterprises of UAB. They have directly led to additional investments and grants to upgrade workflow, recruit new researchers, and push further into development.

more...





Amerex co-founder was Alabama industry's leading lady
on October 30, 2015 

Goldie Paine, co-founder of Amerex Corp., was once Alabama's leading lady of international industry.

In 1970, Paine started Amerex in Trussville along with her husband, E.K. "Ned" Paine, who died earlier this year, and a group of friends and family from West Virginia.

It would become the world's largest producer of fire extinguishers, although the business nearly extinguished itself at first.


more....

[al.com]



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