In the heart of Mobile’s industrial corridor, AAA USA is helping power two of the Gulf Coast’s most vital sectors—marine and ground transportation. The company, a subsidiary of France-based Assistance Aéronautique et Aérospatiale (AAA), provides on-site production support, subcontracting, and workforce solutions for manufacturers across the U.S. and beyond.
While AAA is widely known for its aerospace and ground transportation expertise, its growing footprint in maritime and defense manufacturing tells an equally compelling story—one of innovation, workforce development, and a commitment to the region’s industrial future.
“Mobile gives us everything we need,” says David Miller, Regional Sales Manager of AAA USA. “We have access by rail and by boat for manufacturing materials coming in and out, direct connection to I-10 and I-65, and we’re part of one of the largest and oldest port networks in the country. It’s the perfect location for the industries we serve.”
From shipbuilding and heavy-equipment assembly to bus and railcar manufacturing, AAA USA’s marine and ground transportation and defense divisions provide skilled technicians, engineers, and quality-control experts who can step into high-demand roles at a moment’s notice. The company’s teams work directly on customer sites or at AAA’s own facilities, allowing clients to scale production quickly without interrupting existing operations.
“When a manufacturer is awarded a new contract or needs to increase production rapidly, we provide the skilled assets to meet that demand immediately,” Miller explains. “We integrate with their workflow, bringing in specialized teams that allow them to stay on schedule and maintain quality standards.”
That emphasis on seamless integration is supported by AAA USA’s deep investment in training. The company’s AAA Academy—a 20,000-square-foot training center in Mobile—bridges the gap between technical education and industry needs. There, trainees develop skills in mechanical, electrical, and structural assembly, welding, shipfitting, and advanced manufacturing processes. The programs are customized to employer requirements, ensuring workers are fully prepared for on-site performance to lower the production inefficiency that comes from new workers.
“We’re not just sending people to jobs; we’re building long-term skill sets,” says Miller. “When one of our team members learns something new on a project, we document it and give them credit. It’s how we upskill from within, and it’s a big reason our retention is so strong.”
That “family model,” as Miller calls it, is at the core of AAA USA’s labor philosophy. Unlike temporary staffing agencies, AAA directly employs its workers, providing stability, benefits, and ongoing advancement opportunities. This approach has become a key differentiator at a time when labor shortages continue to challenge manufacturing sectors nationwide.
“Our people are full-time employees,” Miller says. “They’re not temps. They’re part of our family from day one, and that creates loyalty—not just to us, but to the clients and communities we serve.”
AAA’s suite of services extends beyond workforce placement to include project management, contract assembly, quality assurance, and industrialization support. Whether a project involves building ship components, assembling ground vehicles, or managing production build-to-print assemblies, AAA can take on the full scope of work and deliver a turnkey solution.
“Sometimes our clients just need talent; other times, they award us the entire project,” says Miller. “We handle every aspect—from planning to production to quality control—and then hand it back when it’s ready. That flexibility takes a lot of pressure off their teams.”
Today, AAA USA’s marine, ground transportation, and defense operations account for nearly 40% of its business in North America, with much of that activity anchored along the Gulf Coast. And as government contracts and private-sector projects continue to flow into the region, AAA USA’s focus remains on scaling its skilled workforce to meet demand.
“We see incredible opportunity here,” Miller says. “Between shipbuilding, transportation infrastructure, and defense manufacturing, this corridor is booming. Our goal is to support that growth by training the next generation of tradespeople and ensuring our clients have the skilled workforce they need to succeed.”
From the Port of Mobile to production floors across the Gulf Coast, AAA USA is building the workforce powering our region’s future. Explore their work at AAA-USA.com.
