MOBILE, AL—Alabama’s auto production climbed to a record high in 2016, as workers at the state’s three auto assembly plants kept up a brisk pace of building SUVs, pickups and sedans for markets around the world.
CENTREVILLE, AL—German automotive supplier MollerTech will invest $46.3 million to build a state-of-the-art assembly plant here. The factory, which will make interior parts for Mercedes-Benz SUVs, is expected to employ 222 people. MORE
TUSCALOOSA, AL—Mercedes-Benz US-International is in violation of federal labor law for prohibiting employees from organizing inside its assembly plant here when they are off the clock, an appeals court ruled on Monday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit upheld a 2014 ruling by the National Labor Relations Board that Mercedes employees are free to solicit other employees to join the UAW Local 112 on the plant site.
MONTGOMERY, AL—Automotive supplier Gerhardi Kuntstofftechnik will invest $37.9 million to build its first North American assembly plant here. The factory, which will make radiator grilles, handles and trim components, is expected to create 235 jobs.
MOBILE, AL—Airbus has announced a new round of hiring for its aircraft assembly plant here. Open positions include aircraft mechanics structure installers, installers for aircraft cabin interiors, and aircraft electrical installers.
FOLEY, AL—UTC Aerospace Systems is building a new 80,000-square-foot assembly plant here to supply parts for Airbus’ assembly plant in nearby Mobile. Slated to open in 2017, the factory is expected to create 260 jobs.
COTTONDALE, AL—SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc. is constructing a $154 million assembly plant here. Expected to employ 650 people, the 700,000-square-foot factory will make bumpers, door panels and other parts for Mercedes-Benz.
MOBILE, AL—The first Airbus jet assembled in the United States has flown for the first time. The A321, destined for JetBlue, took off from the Mobile Aeroplex March 21 at 9:36 a.m., performed its test sequences, and landed safely at 1:02 p.m.
MOBILE, AL—Workers at Airbus’ assembly plant here hit an important milestone last week as the first aircraft ever assembled at the site, an A321ceo destined for JetBlue, has rolled out and it is ready to receive its paint job prior to delivery.
