JC Matthews, MBA

Technology has played a pivotal role in the enduring transformation of the Greater Birmingham Region. Rooted in its historical connection to the steel industry, our region has seen a continual embrace of cutting-edge technology by visionary entrepreneurs.

This enduring legacy is visible today as Birmingham takes the lead in optimizing grocery shopping, streamlining trucking operations and fortifying the security of financial institutions’ data. Birmingham stands as a trailblazer in technology and innovation, driving the region’s growth.

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Birmingham has a rich culinary tradition embedded in its DNA. The region boasts innovative, award-winning restaurants and chefs, as well as rapidly expanding food and beverage manufacturers and distributors. This dynamic landscape has attracted new players like Smucker’s, investing over $1 billion in a manufacturing facility, and nurtured local success stories such as Milo’s Tea, Red Diamond, and Royal Cup. Home to seven James Beard Award winners and the prestigious base for Southern Living and Food and Wine publications, Birmingham’s culinary scene serves as a hub of chef excellence in the South.

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With a rich history rooted in iron and steel, the Greater Birmingham Region has seamlessly transitioned into a thriving hub for over 1,300 companies in manufacturing, spanning diverse sectors like metals, food, chemicals, mobility, composites and machinery.

Birmingham’s strength as a manufacturing stronghold is rooted in its adaptability, commitment to innovation and investment in workforce development, creating an ideal environment for companies seeking success in advanced manufacturing. The region’s appeal is not only tied to its industrial heritage but also to its ability to diversify its economy while preserving its manufacturing roots.

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In 1993, Mercedes-Benz chose Alabama as the home for its exclusive U.S. assembly plant, launching the mobility industry. Since then, automotive giants such as Honda, Hyundai, Toyota and Mazda, alongside a growing network of mobility suppliers, have joined Alabama’s vehicle manufacturing industry. Most recently, Autocar, a maker of heavy-duty work trucks, also began production in Birmingham. Today, Alabama’s automotive industry stands as a powerhouse with an annual production capacity exceeding 1 million cars and light trucks statewide. This growth has strengthened Alabama’s position and established it as an attractive hub for innovation and advancement in the automotive manufacturing sector. The Greater Birmingham Region has attracted over $725 million in capital investment from mobility companies since 2018, resulting in the creation of 2,200+ jobs.

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The Greater Birmingham Region, strategically poised in the Southeast, serves as a vital distribution and logistics hub. With the advantage of five major Interstates, a cargo-ready airport and three Class 1 railroads, including Norfolk Southern, CSX, and BNSF, it offers an unmatched infrastructure for efficient operations. The region’s skilled workforce ensures rapid customer service fulfillment. Since 2018, Birmingham has witnessed a surge in distribution centers, with major players like Amazon, Carvana, Lowe’s and FedEx Ground leading the way. This influx has generated over 2,800+ jobs and injected more than $670 million into the region’s thriving economy.

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