Alabama
Alabama leads the Southeast in skills trade growth
Alabama’s skilled trades employment grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025 and ranks sixth nationally, according to a new industry report.
The top five states for skilled trades growth were all in the U.S. West, and Alabama’s expansion to a skilled workforce of 366,240 outpaced all its Southeastern neighbors, including No. 7 Florida (11.1%), No. 10 Tennessee (10.4%) and No. 14 Georgia (7.4%). Sixteen states lost skilled workers in the same period, according to the report by The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades.
Nationally, for every 100 skilled trades workers needed, training programs are producing just 55 people, according to the report. It establishes a national benchmark for understanding workforce demand, training capacity and career pathways across 124 skilled trades occupations.
Alabama gains a net average of 984 skilled trades workers from other states each year and is projected to see an additional 8.1% growth from 2024 to 2034. The report also notes that Alabama has one of the nation’s younger skilled trades workforces, with 21.4% of workers age 55 or older.
“In Alabama, we are actively recruiting and supporting manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, defense and other industries that depend heavily on technicians, mechanics, electricians, welders, equipment operators and other skilled occupations,” said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. “Alabama’s skilled-trades growth is evidence that the state’s economic-development strategy and workforce strategy are increasingly reinforcing one another.”
The Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades is a coalition founded earlier this year by industry leaders at BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford Motor Company and Google to strengthen the skilled trades workforce and expand access to career pathways. More than a dozen other companies have since joined the effort.
“We’re proud to join the Alliance for America’s Skilled Trades,” said Meta President and Vice President Dina Powell McCormick. “America needs hundreds of thousands of electricians, welders and fiber technicians to build AI infrastructure, and through America’s Workforce Academy, we’re paying for the training, removing the barriers that keep people from stepping into these careers, and guaranteeing a job at the end of it. Together we can expand that work so that the future we’re building is for everyone.”
According to the report, more than 18 million people work in skilled trades occupations and contributed an estimated $3.8 trillion to U.S. gross domestic product in 2025. Employers are projected to fill about 1.7 million skilled trades openings each year through 2035 because of job growth and the need to replace workers who retire, change occupations or otherwise leave the field.
The report also looked at states’ workforce supply and demand
Alabama scored a 57 for demand for skilled trades in this state. A higher demand pressure score indicates more demand for skilled workers. Florida ranked highest with 95.
The Yellowhammer State scored 50 for supply. The lower the score, the lower the skilled workforce supply. Maine had the lowest score at 23. Florida’s was 26.
Fields with the greatest demand for skilled workers in Alabama were: industrial and refractory machinery mechanics, tool and die makers, stationary engineers and boiler operators, avionics technicians, and aircraft mechanics and service technicians. — Alabama Department of Commerce
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing, officials celebrate major expansion
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama is investing about $450 million to expand production at the Montgomery facility. Company officials and state and local leaders celebrated the expansion at an event in October.
“Since its founding in Montgomery 24 years ago, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama has become synonymous with cutting edge design and endless innovation in performance,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Hyundai and Alabama are a winning team and this substantial investment to enhance Hyundai’s well-known automotive line will propel our successful partnership to even greater heights. The future of Hyundai in Alabama is brighter than ever.”
The HMMA site will expand engine production to support hybrid and extended-range electric vehicle technologies. The Montgomery plant will also be prepared for future production of the refreshed Santa Fe and the all-new Tucson — two important products in Hyundai’s global lineup.
“These investments will support new vehicle production, expanded engine manufacturing capabilities, and advanced propulsion technologies that provide customers with greater choice and flexibility as the automotive industry continues to evolve,” HMMA Chief Operating Officer Mark Rader said Wednesday.
“… Most importantly, these investments represent confidence. Confidence in this facility. Confidence in our workforce. Confidence in our supplier network. And confidence in Alabama.”
With this expansion, HMMA’s total investment is nearly $2.2 billion since production began in 2005
“Since Hyundai began production in Alabama more than 20 years ago, the company has become an important part of our state’s economic success,” Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. “This latest investment will strengthen our manufacturing capabilities, support the development of advanced automotive technologies, and help prepare our workforce for the next generation of vehicles.”
The benefits of this project will extend far beyond Montgomery, creating opportunities across the state and strengthening Alabama’s position as one of America’s leading automotive manufacturing centers, Rader said.
‘True community partner’
The HMMA site currently employs 4,200 team members. It and its suppliers have an annual economic impact of more than $5 billion. The facility contributes about $100 million in state tax revenue and over $12 million in local tax revenue each year.
“Hyundai’s continued growth in Montgomery is a tremendous source of pride for this community,” said Anna Buckalew, president and CEO of the Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“We have had the privilege of being part of this journey from the beginning and watching HMMA grow into one of the world’s leading automotive operations. Every new investment reflects Hyundai’s continued belief in Montgomery, our people and the partnership we have built together. We are incredibly proud of what has been accomplished here, and we look forward to continuing to earn the next investment and the next chapter of Hyundai’s growth in Montgomery.” – Alabama Department of Commerce
Jackson County, Ala. scores in TVA territory
Electrical contractor Helix Electric broke ground Tuesday on a $45.3 million facility in Jackson County that will create 160 jobs.
“Helix Electric’s major investment in Jackson County is exciting news for Alabama and a strong vote of confidence in our state’s workforce, infrastructure and business climate,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “This project represents meaningful opportunities for Alabama families and continued momentum for economic growth in the region.
“We are grateful to Helix Electric for choosing Alabama and for the confidence the company has placed in Jackson County. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this investment will have on the region for years to come.”
The California-based company’s new Advanced Fabrication Campus will focus on manufacturing prefabricated electrical components and large modular electrical assemblies used in construction and industrial projects. Products will include underground duct banks, duct bank risers, hangers, electrical devices and modular electrical skids, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.
The rural Alabama facility will allow the company to expand those capabilities while establishing a manufacturing presence closer to its existing teams and East Coast customers.
“Hollywood, Alabama, is exactly the kind of community where Helix Electric belongs,” said CEO Boris Shekhter. “The people here are hardworking, the region is growing, and local leaders have made it clear they want to build something that lasts. That is the same standard we hold ourselves to every single day.
“We are not just building a facility in Jackson County. We are making a long-term commitment to the people, the families, and the future of this region.”
The project aligns with Commerce’s metals and advanced materials strategy under Catalyst, its 10-year economic development plan. The project underscores Commerce’s efforts to attract new investment and jobs to Alabama’s rural communities, including Jackson County, a designated Target County.
Helix Electric’s investment will extend well beyond the jobs created at a single facility, Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said. “They can generate new opportunities for local contractors and suppliers, support small businesses and strengthen the communities that make Alabama an attractive place to live, work, and do business,” McNair said.
“Just as importantly, projects like this help position Jackson County for long-term success by expanding economic opportunity and creating new pathways for residents to build rewarding careers closer to home.”
The Tennessee Valley Authority and North Alabama Electric Cooperative congratulated Helix Electric on its milestone in Jackson County.
“A groundbreaking is always a special occasion because it represents a commitment to creating new opportunities and investment in the region,” said Heidi Smith, TVA’s vice president for economic development. “We are proud to partner with North Alabama Electric Cooperative, Jackson County EDA and the Alabama Department of Commerce in our shared commitment to supporting job creation and investment in the communities we serve. We celebrate this important next step with Helix Electric and look forward to its future business success here.”
The groundbreaking represents a massive win for Jackson County and a testament to what makes the community so attractive to industry leaders, said Nathan Lee, president and CEO of the Jackson County Economic Development Authority.
“A $45 million investment and 160 new jobs will provide life-changing career opportunities for our residents and stimulate our local economy for years to come,” Lee said. “We are proud to welcome Helix Electric as our newest corporate partner and look forward to supporting their continued success.” – Alabama Department of Commerce
Arkansas
U. S. Steel Breaks Ground on $1.9 Billion DRI Facility in Osceola, Arkansas
U. S. Steel broke ground on a state-of-the-art direct reduced iron production facility on its Big River Steel Works campus in Osceola, Arkansas on October 30. This first-of-its-kind plant represents a $1.9 billion investment for U. S. Steel which will create approximately 200 new full-time jobs.
“We’ve seen firsthand what the people of Arkansas and our team at Big River Steel Works can accomplish,” said David Burritt, President and CEO of U. S. Steel. “This investment builds on that success by creating good-paying jobs, strengthening Northeast Arkansas, and advancing the next generation of American steelmaking. By connecting our Minnesota iron ore operations with our growing capabilities in Arkansas, we are strengthening an American steel supply chain built to serve our customers and communities for decades to come.”
“There’s tremendous momentum around steelmaking here at Big River Steel Works, and this project adds to it,” said Dan Brown, Executive Vice President, Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer, Big River Steel Works. “It means new jobs and opportunities for the region, new capabilities and another investment in the people and communities that have helped make this operation successful.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2026 with preliminary site preparation underway. The DRI facility build-out is expected to create up to 2,000 construction jobs in the region.
“America’s next great building boom needs steel, and we want Arkansas workers making it,” said Governor Sanders. “With this $1.9 billion investment, U. S. Steel is helping put that ambition into motion, strengthening our nation’s supply chain and putting more Arkansans to work. From the construction site to the mill floor, this project means more opportunities to earn a good living and build a life right here in Mississippi County.”
U. S. Steel announced its plans to locate its DRI facility in Arkansas in April 2026. The DRI investment builds on significant investments that U. S. Steel has made in Arkansas since acquiring Big River Steel in 2021. The company invested $3 billion in Big River Steel 2, which began producing steel in 2024.
“Steel is the backbone on our nation, and that steel is being manufactured right here in Arkansas. With the new DRI facility, U. S. Steel is making another major commitment that strengthens Arkansas as a steelmaking hub,” said Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald. “U. S. Steel has invested billions in Arkansas, and we thank them for their confidence, and we are committed to supporting their continued growth in the Natural State.”
The DRI facility will be located next to Big River Steel 2, feeding direct reduced iron into its electric arc furnaces to support steelmaking for the automotive, appliance, and solar industries.
“It has taken a concerted team effort to build Mississippi County, Arkansas into the nation’s top steel producing county, and U. S. Steel’s new DRI facility shows that there is still momentum for growth,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “U. S. Steel’s investments have played a significant role in growing Arkansas’ steel industry, and this facility is a welcome addition. Congratulations to Mississippi County and the local community on supporting companies like U. S. Steel and encouraging their growth in the region.” – Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Organ therapy firm with a 70-year legacy of kidney care innovation is investing in Arkansas
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Vantive has announced a new $100 million investment to expand its operations in Mountain Home, Arkansas, which will create hundreds of new jobs and modernize its facilities. The company plans to create up to 175 new jobs over the next four years, starting with 75 in the first year.
“This is an exciting milestone for Mountain Home, for Vantive, and for the patients we serve around the world,” said Chris Toth, CEO of Vantive. “Our investment builds on our longstanding partnership with this community and reflects our confidence in the exceptional Mountain Home team.
As demand for our therapies continues to grow, this expansion will increase our capacity, create new jobs, and help ensure that patients worldwide have access to the home dialysis products they rely on. The Mountain Home team plays a critical role in advancing our mission to extend lives and expand possibilities, and we are proud to continue growing our presence and employee base here in Arkansas.” – Arkansas Economic Development Commission
Canfor announces $96 million investment in Arkansas
Canfor Southern Pine (CSP) is investing approximately $96 million to strengthen its Arkansas operations through a phased modernization and logistics expansion at its Iron Mountain facility in El Dorado.
The mill modernization is being completed in two phases, along with the construction of a shipping transload facility. The first phase, which upgraded the planer, was completed in the second quarter of 2025. The second phase will modernize and expand Iron Mountain’s sawmill and log yard operations and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
In addition, a shipping transload facility was constructed at Iron Mountain earlier this year. Serving both Iron Mountain and the nearby Urbana Sawmill, the facility allows lumber to be transferred between trucks and rail cars, improving efficiency across Canfor’s Arkansas operations and expanding access to customers across North America.
Together, these projects will more than double Iron Mountain’s annual net production to approximately 220 million board feet and create approximately 75 additional jobs at the facility and in logistics. They will also enhance operational efficiency, strengthen regional integration, and position Canfor’s Arkansas operations for long-term growth and competitiveness. – Arkansas Economic Development Commission
L3 Harris opens new rocket motor plant in rural Arkansas
According to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) joined federal, state and local leaders in October to open the new Arsenal of Freedom solid rocket motor production facility in Camden. L3Harris designed the facility to double current capacity, with additional growth available.
The new facility, along with additional propellant processing facilities, will support production for the U.S. Army’s Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). The new footprint centralizes production of solid rocket motors that power the surface-to-surface precision fires capability.
The completion of this facility is part of a $216 million cooperative agreement the company signed with the Department of War in 2023 to support the increased demand for tactical missiles, including Javelin, Stinger and the GMLRS. The Department’s Defense Production Act Title III cooperative agreement with L3Harris included building new facilities at its Camden, Arkansas, and Orange County, Virginia, locations, as well as equipment and digital upgrades at the Huntsville, Alabama, facilities. – Arkansas Economic Development Commission
