Carpenter Tech opens Alabama additive manufacturing center
Carpenter Technology Corp. on Wednesday announced the opening of its newest advanced additive manufacturing (AM) facility and Emerging Technology Center (ETC) at its production campus in Athens. Carpenter Technology has invested approximately $40 million to date in the ETC and is expected to create approximately 60 jobs over the next five years, as well as help further the region’s position as an advanced manufacturing technology center. – Made In Alabama
ADEM approves $175 million wood pellet plant’s permit in Sumter County
A company planning a wood pellet manufacturing facility in Sumter County says its permit for the project has been approved by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. In October, Maryland-based biofuel company Enviva announced it plans to build a $175 million wood pellet production plant at the Port of Epes, creating at least 85 jobs and 180 incidental jobs in logging, transportation and local services. – AL.com
Politicians continue to mull Poarch Creek gambling proposal
Alabama is surrounded by neighboring states that all offer a lottery. Now, the state is again being asked to consider a lottery proposal and casino gambling. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with its long presence in Alabama, wants to expand its footprint in Alabama with a proposal to establish a monopoly on casino gaming, in exchange for a $1 billion first-year payment. – WHNT
Aerojet Rocketdyne ready for production in Huntsville
Aerojet Rocketdyne said Wednesday that it is ready to begin producing large solid rocket motor carbon fiber cases in Huntsville following installation and calibration of a key machine at its new Advanced Manufacturing Facility. The machine will be used to wind the carbon fibers that form the structural case of large solid rocket motors. It is capable of producing motor cases up to 72 inches in diameter and 22 feet long, large enough for strategic missiles. – Made In Alabama
Downtown Huntsville pub pivots to meat-and-three lunch
Yeah, St. Patrick’s Day only comes around once a year. But another reason ownership decided to change Keegan’s Public House’s name is, according to new general manager Rick Daidone, increase awareness for the business’ location. “And Big Spring Tavern says where we are,” Daidone says. And what a location is it, here at the terrace level of 200 West Side Square, with lovely, big window and patio views of Big Spring Park’s trees, grotto and east side. – AL.com
Takata airbag fault forces recall of another 1.4 million vehicles
Faulty Takata airbags have already caused the largest auto recall in history, with tens of millions of cars affected. Now a newly discovered defect has prompted the recall of another 1.4 million vehicles. These cars were recalled on Wednesday, authorities in the United States said. As with the wider ongoing recall, the new fault can cause airbag inflators to explode. – CNN
Nissan orders two-day furlough for U.S. employees amid falling sales
Nissan is doing worse than expected in the U.S. market, and its chairman is now taking steps to cut costs across the company, slashing employee travel expenses and putting the entire U.S. organization on two days of unpaid furlough next month. The company will remain closed for two days after the New Year’s holiday, with all U.S. employees foregoing pay for Jan. 2 and Jan. 3. – AutoNews
