In making his first major economic development announcement since his inauguration, Governor Bentley emphasized his administration's focus on job creation and expressed appreciation for the cooperative spirit evident in The Shoals.  He also highlighted the fact that Alabama is the best place to locate and live and that our automotive supplier base continues to grow as a result.

Wise Alloys LLC plans to expand processing at its Alabama Reclamation Operations (ARO) on Ford Road in Colbert County.

This $24.9 million expansion will involve the construction of a new 43,000-square-foot building to house its used beverage container (UBC) processing equipment.  The molten aluminum from the UBC will be manufactured into sheet coil to be used in the production of new beverage cans.

With the expansion, Wise Alloys LLC expects to add 43 new positions to its current employment of over 1000.  Construction is planned to begin in March of this year and should be operational by early 2012.

Delta Steel & Tube Increases Capabilities

Delta Steel & Tube is expanding its capabilities at its facility in the Florence-Lauderdale Industrial Park.  The expansion will include the addition of two new machines, allowing Delta Steel to provide customers with laser cutting and bending of tubes.

An additional 16 jobs are expected to be added in the next three years as a result of the increased growth in sales from the addition of these machines.

SCA Tissue recently made plans to add new machinery to its facility in the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park.  The $15 million addition will consist of two new converting lines which will enhance its napkin production and paper processing capabilities.

SCA currently employs nearly 500 at the Barton facility and manufactures disposable napkins, towels, bath tissue, personal care products and packaging solutions.

Alabama Trade Mission to Ireland

The International Trade division of the Alabama Development Office (ADO) will lead a Trade Mission to Ireland in May of 2011. Destinations include Dublin & Belfast for business matchmaking, with networking events to enhance and expand the contacts that will be made. For registration, an ADO Partnership Questionnaire is to be submitted to Meridith.McKinney@ado.alabama.gov for evaluation in market potential. All who are interested may also contact Ms. McKinney by phone at 334-242-0450.

Particular market segments which present the highest demand in the Irish economy include wood, electric machinery, organic chemicals, medical/surgical instruments, iron, steel, and plastics. The computer and pharmaceutical industries have been at the helm of industrial growth, with strong headway in the service sector. With demand for technology increasing tremendously, the Ireland industry sector has been able to stay strong even in the worst economic times.

Dr. Stephen Anderson, Commercial Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland, highlights particular areas of business interest with details found by following this link to Dr. Anderson’s presentation. The video, entitled Ireland by the Numbers, provides a three-minute overview of the Irish market, which is also helpful.

Shoals Training Alliance Hosts Leadership Skills Classes