Alabama’s economy reached a major milestone in 2025, attracting $14.6 billion in new business investments statewide.
Record Investments and Job Growth
Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that companies committed to more than 9,300 new jobs across Alabama last year. According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, businesses launched or expanded 234 projects, the highest annual total in state history.
“Alabama’s economy is riding a wave of historic momentum,” Ivey said. She credited innovative development, quality jobs, and long-term planning for driving growth in every region of the state.
Momentum Builds on Long-Term Strategy
The governor said the report highlights a broader transformation that began when she took office in 2017. Since then, Alabama has attracted $69 billion in investments and created more than 100,000 jobs.
“As a former economic developer, I knew our first priority was recruiting and supporting businesses,” Ivey said. “Because of that focus, Alabama consistently ranks among the top states for doing business.”
Meanwhile, workforce development and targeted recruitment efforts have strengthened the state’s competitive position in the global economy.
Major Projects Drive Statewide Impact
Several large-scale investments fueled Alabama’s record year. Eli Lilly and Company announced plans to invest more than $6 billion in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Huntsville and Limestone County, creating 450 jobs.
In Mobile County, ArcelorMittal committed $1.2 billion to produce specialty steel for electric vehicle motors, adding more than 200 jobs. Additionally, Owens Corning will build a $325 million shingle manufacturing plant in Prattville, creating 89 jobs.
Importantly, rural Alabama also shared in the growth. Targeted counties recorded $2 billion in investments and 2,011 new jobs. One of the largest rural projects includes Georgia-Pacific’s $800 million modernization of its Alabama River Cellulose mill in Monroe County.
Foreign investment further strengthened the economy, totaling $3.6 billion and supporting 2,274 new jobs statewide.
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