National business publication Area Development has selected Alabama as one of its Gold Shovel Award recipients, recognizing the state’s economic development success during 2020.
Last year, companies either announced new facilities or expansions in Alabama involving nearly $5 billion, creating almost 10,000 jobs across the state.
“This Gold Shovel award is a testament to Alabama’s skillful workforce and the pro-business environment that makes our state such an attractive location for investment,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.
Among the projects that put Alabama’s name at the top were:
- ArcelorMittal announcing a $775 million project to add an electric arc furnace at its joint facility with Nippon Steel in Calvert, near Mobile, creating 200 jobs.
- Mazda Toyota Manufacturing investing an additional $830 million at its Huntsville plant that is set to begin producing vehicles later this year, bringing the companies’ total investment to $2.3 billion in the project.
- Cullman-based HomTex, a manufacturer of linens, shifting gears during the pandemic to manufacture 3-ply and N-95 face masks, adding 300 jobs to its Selma plant.
The Alabama Department of Commerce’s New and Expanding Industry Report details 220 projects recorded in the state in 2020.
“The chief goal of Alabama’s economic development team is to help spark the creation of jobs and opportunities throughout the state by strategically focusing on industries with solid long-term growth prospects,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.
Alabama has been a frequent winner of the Gold Shovel award, recognized in 2006, 2013 and 2019.
