August 2019: The Bama Technology Incubator, which includes on-campus laboratories and support for start-up companies, is changing its name to Edge Labs, serving as a strategic counterpart to The Edge, an off-campus business incubator.Â
July 2019: SMP Automotive Systems Alabama Inc., in Cottondale, locates a new plant in Vance, a $230 million investment with 1,382 new jobs.
March 2019: Arch Global Precision-Tuscaloosa, in Cottondale, expands its precision machine plant that makes parts for the medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial markets — a $2 million investment creating 12 jobs.
February 2019:Â The next-generation 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV, the fourth generation of the SUV originally known as the M Class, heads to showrooms.Â
February 2019: SWJ Technology, a logistics, training and product services firm, announces it plans to move its headquarters to Alberta in Tuscaloosa County. The $1.5 million facility will eventually have 100 employees.
January 2019: Coral Industries Inc., in Tuscaloosa, announces a $5.4 million expansion. The company makes bath and shower enclosures.
January 2019: Hanna Steel Corp., a steel tube mill in Tuscaloosa, announces a $36 million expansion and 26 new jobs.
January 2019: The Edge business incubator, a partnership among the University of Alabama, the city and Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama, opens an $11.5 million facility at the former Armed Forces Reserve Center armory site.Â
November 2018: Bolta US Inc., an automotive supplier in Northport, announces a $3.5 million expansion with 20 added jobs.Â
September 2018: KyKenKee Inc., a Vance sawmill that produces hardwoods and pine, specialty cut items and greenscape products, announces a $28 million project adding 70 jobs.
August 2018: Stresscrete plans a $2 million expansion, adding16 jobs. The company makes concrete utility and decorative poles.