In our reflection on the happenings along the Gulf Coast from the past year, we’re ditching the typical ‘top 10 news’ format for something fresh. We have decided that “Expansion!” is the 2023 word of the year for our region, and we’ll delve into why this word resonates with us as we review the key highlights of the past year.
Industrial Momentum:
Recent expansion in our area is powered by a robust economic foundation. Along our stretch of Gulf Coast, we host diverse industrial ventures spanning aviation, steelmaking, chemical production, shipbuilding, and logistics. Here are the key highlights that shaped our local industrial landscape in 2023:
- Airbus breaks ground on a third assembly line
- VT MAE announces 200-worker expansion
- Superior Air Parts plans to expand
- MAAS Aviation announces plans to two more paint hangers
- Averitt opens a new warehouse
- CORE Industries invests in a new processing & storage facility
- APM Terminals Mobile to expand rail infrastructure
- Aldi opens a distribution center in Loxley
- Home Depot announces a delivery center in Loxley
- Ecovery receives approval for expansion
Workforce Development Initiatives:
A growing industrial landscape sparks a parallel need for skilled talent. To meet this need, our region has been orchestrating collaborative workforce development programs. Here are some initiatives freshly begun in 2023 to nurture the skilled workforce our area requires:
- Bishop State Community College opens Gene Haas Center for Advanced Manufacturing Technology
- White-Spunner Construction breaks ground on Academy of Craft Training
- Theodore High School Opens a Distribution and Logistics Academy
Retail/Hospitality Highlights:
As our region’s population grows, national and regional corporations have begun eyeing the Gulf Coast market. Simultaneously, local businesses are on an upward trajectory, attracting new residents who discover and cherish our homegrown favorites. These significant retail and hospitality developments unfolded over the past year:
- Wawa breaks ground on its first Alabama location
- TopGolf opens to fanfare in Mobile
- Africatown Heritage House opens and attracts national attention
- OWA unveils plans for a new hotel near recent water park expansion
- Avelo initiates direct flights from Mobile to Orlando
Medical Sector Growth:
The intersection of our balmy climate attracting retirees and a growing workforce population underscores a need for top-tier healthcare. This demand propelled expansion among local hospitals and medical practices:
- South Baldwin Regional Medical Center breaks ground on 200,000+ square-foot expansion
- USA Health acquires Providence Hospital
- USA breaks ground on a new medical school building
Municipal Advancements:
One of the standout stories of 2023 centers on Mobile’s annexation vote. Mobile’s growth reinforces our region’s position as a dynamic hub for work, residence, and leisure on the central Gulf Coast.
Let’s celebrate the strides made across our region throughout 2023. Here’s to Mobile and Baldwin counties’ diligent work to ensure the central Gulf Coast remains an excellent place to work, live, and play. As we bid farewell to 2023, we’ll toast the theme that defined our region: “Expansion!” We eagerly anticipate what 2024 has in store. Cheers!
