3 Things To Consider This Friday

Alabama exports up 6.4 percent, more than $20 billion in 2016

by William Thornton
February 16, 2017 at 10:59 AM  Updated February 16, 2017 at 11:06 AM 

 Alabama exports set a record in 2016, as the percentage of products made in state for foreign markets rose 6.4 percent to almost $20.6 billion.

The previous record was $19.6 billion in 2012. Gov. Robert Bentley said the numbers show “Alabama companies are prospering in the global economy.”

“These exports continue to be powerful growth engines for our state by supporting their communities through job creation,” he said.

For the rest of story, visit AL.com.

Mercedes held keys to start Alabama auto industry boom

Word By Dawn Azok
February 15, 2017

 Vehicle production has steadily risen to make Alabama one of the Top 5 autoproducing states in the U.S. Last year, for the second year in a row, workers at Mercedes, Honda and Hyundai combined to build more than 1 million vehicles. 

 Jobs are on the rise, too, growing by more than 200 percent over the past 15 years.

For the rest of story, visit Made In Alabama.

GE Aviation’s Five-Year US Investment Includes New Plants

By IW Staff
Feb 15, 2017

Due to its record production on a new-generation of jet engines, engine components and aircraft systems, GE Aviation announced on February 15 that its investments reached $4.3 billion in its expanding U.S. operations during 2011-2016. (Another $1.1 billion invested in its international sites).

 The U.S. investments include $214 million to establish five new plants in Ellisville, Miss. Auburn, Ala.; Asheville, N.C.; Lafayette, Ind. and Huntsville, Ala. About two million square feet of new manufacturing floor space is being created.

For the rest of story, visit IndustryWeek.