#702 – Global Trades Names Alabama Top State for Manufacturing
Posted on | The Agurban
A few weeks back we shared Global Trades’ list for Best States for Manufacturing. Alabama topped their list. This week we are sharing some of the reasons why Alabama made the top spot.
Global Trades Names Alabama Top State for Manufacturing
WSFA, August 31, 2018
A publication focused on international business has selected Alabama as the nation’s top state for manufacturing.
According to the governor’s office, Global Trade cited the growth of Alabama’s auto manufacturing industry, its leadership position in aerospace production, as well as its job training from AIDT, as the reason for its top position.
“The state has seen a continued influx of manufacturing investment, much of it from the international auto industry, and it’s not hard to understand why,” Global Trade writes.
“Alabama has a strong heritage in manufacturing, which remains a key pillar in the state’s growing economy,” Governor Ivey said. “Alabama workers have shown the world that they have the expertise to manufacture high-quality products that set industry standards, and this ranking is more confirmation of that fact.”
In addition, the publication credited the state’s AdvantageSites program for the success in the manufacturing industry. The program, which pre-certifies sites for development, is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to accelerate projects.
“Alabama’s manufacturing workers bring energy and passion to their jobs, and they’re always willing to learn new skills that will enhance productivity,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “These qualities set them apart from their counterparts in other states and allow them to manufacture a sweeping variety of top-flight products that are in demand all over the world.”
There are more than 270,000 manufacturing workers in Alabama, the governor’s office said. Those workers represent over 13 percent of the state’s workforce. That makes the state the fifth highest concentration among states, according to data from the National Association of Manufacturers.
We presently have eight projects in Alabama. Congratulations to the state for being pro-manufacturing!