Daikin America plans $195 million expansion in Decatur
Daikin America Inc., marking its 25th year of operation in Alabama, plans to invest up to $195 million to add new capabilities at its Decatur production facility. The expansion will add 50 new full-time positions over the next few years. Daikin said the expansion project enhances polymer production capability, associated monomer production, utility systems, infrastructure enhancements and R&D capabilities in Decatur. Construction will begin in January 2020. – Made In Alabama
Survey ranks Alabama tops in jobs from foreign investment in 2018
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey announced Alabama is tops for jobs from foreign investment in 2018. The information comes from the 2019 Global Location Trends report, prepared by IBM-Plant Location International. Governor Ivey reported the survey found that Alabama is the No. 1 state in the U.S. based on new job creation from foreign investments during 2018. – WVTM
Lawsuit: Poor information about pipeline led to fatal blast
A federal lawsuit accuses a pipeline company of failing to tell work crews where a major U.S. pipeline was underground before they ruptured the line, touching off a deadly explosion. The workers were trying to make repairs after the pipeline leaked gasoline in Alabama and was shut down in 2016, threatening U.S. gasoline supplies. The estate of Anthony Willingham, an Alabama worker who died in the blast, this week filed a federal lawsuit against Georgia-based Colonial Pipeline Co. and a partner company. – Washington Post
Alabama Commission on Artificial Intelligence holds first meeting
On Thursday morning the Alabama Commission on Artificial Intelligence met at the Capitol. In the regular session earlier this year the Alabama Legislature unanimously passed a measure creating the commission. Alabama is now one of only three states that have such a commission. The commissions mission is to ”advise the Governor and Legislature on all aspects of the growth of A.I. and associated technology. The 18 member commission is composed of ten members appointed by the Governor, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Information Technology, two members appointed by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, two members of the House, and two members of the Senate. – Alabama News Network
Publix joins retailers asking customers to not open carry in stores
If you’re carrying a gun, the Publix supermarket chain doesn’t want to see it. Publix is joining a growing number of retailers in asking customers not to openly carry firearms in its stores, even if state laws allow it. The company announced the move by email on Wednesday, saying “Publix respectfully requests that only law enforcement officials openly carry firearms in our stores.” – AP
