Warrior Met plans $50M barge facility amid major expansion
Warrior Met Coal Inc. plans to invest $50 million to construct a barge load-out facility in Walker County to support its expanding metallurgical coal mining operation near Tuscaloosa, a project that will add 12 new high-paying jobs. Warrior Met Coal is the state’s largest producer of met coal, a key component of steel production. The barge load-out facility, near Jasper, will become integral to transporting the company’s coal production, officials say. – Made In Alabama
Cummings Aerospace relocating to Huntsville’s Redstone Gateway
A Huntsville aerospace company is moving its headquarters to Redstone Gateway – the growing office complex just outside Redstone Arsenal’s Gate 9. Corporate Office Properties Trust announced Monday that Cummings Aerospace will relocate to Redstone Gateway in a build-to-suit, 46,000 square foot facility. Cummings currently has its HQ on Voyager Way in Cummings Research Park near Bridge Street Town Centre. – AL.com
New shipyard delivers first newbuild river towboat
Metal Shark’s Bayou La Batre shipyard has delivered its first newbuild, a 120 foot x 35 foot river towboat for Florida Marine Transporters of Mandeville, La. Designed by John W. Gilbert Associates, the four-decked, welded-steel, USCG Subchapter “M”-compliant Stephanie Pasentine is Louisiana-based Metal Shark’s first-ever steel newbuild and also its first inland towboat. The vessel’s twin Cat 3512C marine diesel engines deliver 2,011 HP each at 1,600 RPM and turn 100 inch x 69 inch stainless steel propellers. Sleeping accommodations and facilities have been provided for a nine-person crew. – Marine Log
Alabama extends motor vehicle registration deadlines
The state Department of Revenue announced Monday motor vehicle registration deadlines are extended for some months in response to the financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak in Alabama. Department Commissioner Vernon Barnett said the deadline for the annual registration and renewal of motor vehicles during the months of March, April and May has been extended through June 19. – WVTM
State’s research firms energized to find pandemic solutions
Alabama’s bioscience researchers and organizations have mobilized to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to advance urgent work that could lead to new treatments and vaccines. This includes Birmingham-based TriAltus Bioscience, which developed protein purification technology to support research into a new COVID-19 vaccine under development at the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute in Portland, Oregon. – Made In Alabama
Both sides of Florida-Alabama state line feel impact of first reopen phase
Florida started Phase I of its reopening Monday meaning retailers and restaurants are allowed to reopen at 25 percent capacity. In Alabama, restaurants have not yet been allowed to reopen their dining rooms in any capacity. The state line creates a disparity between both Florida’s and Alabama’s businesses which both equally depend on tourism for survival. – WEAR
UAB announces temporary expense reduction strategies on COVID-19
The University of Alabama at Birmingham and UAB Medicine are implementing additional expense-reduction strategies due to significant financial losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The university and UAB Medicine will implement different responses to address budget shortfalls for their separate lines of business. – News release
