Alabama Sees Record $14.6B in Economic Growth for 2025

Alabama shattered its economic development records in 2025, bringing in $14.6 billion in new investments and creating nearly 10,000 job opportunities across every corner of the state. That's double the investment from 2024, and it means real paychecks and brighter futures for Alabama families.

The year brought 234 economic development projects spanning cutting-edge industries like biosciences, technology, metals, automotive and aerospace. Governor Kay Ivey announced the milestone numbers this week, celebrating what she calls "a wave of historic momentum" transforming the state's economy.

The biggest win came from pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which committed $6 billion to build an advanced factory in Huntsville. The facility will create 450 jobs and represents the largest single investment in Alabama history.

Other major projects include a $1.2 billion ArcelorMittal steel facility in Mobile County bringing 200 jobs, and Georgia-Pacific's $800 million expansion in Perdue Hill that will create the nation's largest softwood pulp mill. Owens Corning is building a $325 million shingle manufacturing facility in Prattville, adding 100 more positions when production starts in 2027.

Rural communities saw particularly strong growth, tallying $2 billion in capital investment with more than 2,000 new job opportunities. Foreign companies also recognized Alabama's potential, investing $3.6 billion and committing to 2,274 new positions.

The success stems from Alabama's Catalyst plan, a strategic approach targeting eight key business sectors including advanced materials, biosciences, technology and defense. Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair says the state now has "all the ingredients to continue that momentum."

The Ripple Effect

These aren't just impressive numbers on a spreadsheet. They represent factory workers with stable paychecks, engineers building cutting-edge technology, and small businesses thriving as more people move to Alabama communities. When a pharmaceutical company opens a billion-dollar facility, local restaurants, housing developers, and service providers all benefit from the wave of new residents and economic activity.

Since Ivey took office, Alabama has attracted more than $69 billion in total investments, creating over 100,000 jobs statewide. The growth touches urban tech hubs and rural manufacturing towns alike, spreading opportunity across regions that have sometimes been overlooked.

Alabama is proving that strategic planning, targeted industry outreach, and a business-friendly environment can transform a state's economic trajectory and create prosperity that reaches everyone.