Governor Kay Ivey honored Alabama's manufacturing sector and its workers on National "Made in the USA" Day, signing a proclamation recognizing their significant contributions to the state's economic growth.
The state's manufacturing industry employs over 280,000 Alabamians across more than 4,000 enterprises, producing a diverse range of goods from automobiles and Navy ships to space rockets and pharmaceuticals. Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair highlighted the sector's increasing diversity and global influence, saying, "There is no limit to what Alabamians can do or limit to their imaginations."
Recent major investments, such as Eli Lilly's $6 billion advanced manufacturing operation in Huntsville, underscore Alabama's growing prominence. This follows the impact of Mercedes Benz's first U.S. plant near Tuscaloosa 30 years ago, with Lilly's arrival expected to transform the state into a global leader of biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Manufactured goods from Alabama generated over $23 billion in exports in 2025, with motor vehicles being the top category, making Alabama the nation's second-largest auto-exporting state. Governor Ivey noted that since 2017, her administration has attracted nearly $70 billion in capital investments and created over 100,000 jobs, alongside efforts to provide high-tech training for these roles. "As we expand our impact on the national economy, Alabamians can take great pride in being key players in bringing back 'Made in America,'" the governor added.