Northwest Alabama EDA
Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance
Contact: Tom Wisemiller
4020 U.S. Highway 43
Guin, AL 35563
Phone: 205-495-9952
www.northwestalabamaeda.org
DISCOVER NORTHWEST ALABAMA
We’ve built a manufacturing powerhouse in the picturesque Appalachian foothills of Northwest Alabama. Our location, interstate access, skilled labor force, low-cost business environment, and extensive high-speed fiber network will ensure that your business thrives.
The Northwest Alabama region offers the best of both worlds: well-connected to metro areas and the global economy, yet with lots of room to breathe in safe welcoming communities.
We are an hour’s drive of population centers totaling over 1.7 million people. A 200-mile radius encompasses 14 million people.
STRENGTHS
Strategic Location
- Northwest Alabama is midway between Memphis and Atlanta on the I-22/I-20 corridor.
- 8 key southeast U.S. metro areas within a 3-hour drive.
- 4 AdvantageSite Industrial Parks.
- Rail-served sites available.
- We are surrounded by 4 automotive OEMs and their supplier networks.
- 3 major universities within a 1-hour drive.
Business Advantages
- Low business costs.
- Fast-track development and permitting process and incentives approvals.
- 10G Freedom Fiber.
Workforce
Our K-12 schools, in partnership with Bevill State Community College, have a strong focus on workforce development. In turn, our regional efforts are supported by Alabama’s cutting-edge workforce development system, which has received national acclaim from the National Governors Association, Credential Engine, the Lumina Foundation, Site Selection magazine, and others. Governor Ivey established a structured path for the State to add an additional 500,000 credentialed workers to the workforce by 2025.
10G Fiber Freedom
Tombigbee’s innovative Freedom Fiber program is bringing 1G and 10G broadband access to businesses throughout the region. Freedom Fiber exemplifies our commitment to regional collaboration, as Tombigbee is partnering with Alabama Power to expand the network. In addition to connecting businesses to the global marketplace, Freedom Fiber is improving quality of life for our residents, making it easier for businesses to attract talent to the region.
Target Industries
Advanced Manufacturing
More than 30% of our workforce is currently employed in manufacturing with industry-specific credentials and experience, bolstered by the presence of industry-led training through Bevill State Community College, as well as specialized studies in high-school tech centers and STEM programs.
Relocating or expanding businesses can choose among pad-ready sites on 100+ acres in our I-22 industrial parks, which have access to Freedom Fiber 10 GB service.
Automotive Manufacturing
Our large, advanced manufacturing workforce includes more than 2,100 workers who commute to jobs with more than 50 automotive OEMs and suppliers located within a 90-minute drive. Our skilled workforce positions us well to attract these manufacturers even closer to home, in addition to our available, pad-ready sites with easy access via I-22 to Memphis, Tupelo, Birmingham, Atlanta and Nashville metro within a three-hour drive.
Metal Fabrication
Our strong cluster of specialty fabrication companies and workforce have over five decades of experience and expertise in solving metal fabrication challenges.
Alabama has one of the lowest unionization rates in the country and is home to hundreds of primary and fabricated metal companies. More than 20 higher education state institutions provide metal fabrication training. Bevill State Community College has a >85% placement rate for its welding certificate graduates.
Wood Products
Forestry and wood products have been a vital part of Alabama’s economy for more than 200 years. Wood products companies continue to choose Northwest Alabama to take advantage of our outstanding climate and natural setting, highly skilled workforce, outstanding logistical advantages, and pro-business approach. Two promising opportunities in our region are packaging manufacturing and the manufacture and distribution of wood pellets.
Logistics, Distribution & Warehousing
Northwest Alabama is perfectly located on the I-20 corridor for industrial distribution projects. Halfway between Memphis and Atlanta, we offer pad-ready industrial sites on I-22. In addition to a strong existing regional manufacturing base, over 50 automotive OEMs and suppliers are within a 90-minute drive.
We have rail sites available and are just 30 miles to the Port of Itawamba on the Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway, with barge access to the Port of Mobile.
Food Production & Distribution
With legacy homegrown food companies and proximity to international food and beverage companies in neighboring counties, we have over 4,800 workers in food production, processing, and distribution within a 60-minute drive.
Naturally, we have a thriving agricultural base alongside good-quality, ample water, including access to spring water, in addition to sewer capacity at competitive prices. This industry also stands to benefit from Auburn University’s new culinary and food science program.