The Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Decatur, Alabama is set to be the home of a new $30 million training center with a focus on electric vehicles and emerging technologies within the auto industry.

The Alabama Department of Commerce announced the news Monday.

“The auto industry is being confronted by the strong headwinds of disruptive technologies today, and it’s vital that we’re prepared to help Alabama’s autoworkers adapt to the industry’s shifting directions,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

Ed Castile, Deputy Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce and also the Director of Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), said that the primary goal of the new center is continued growth.

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“Our main goal is to help the state’s automakers continue to grow during the transition to electric powertrains and assist them as they embrace new technologies that are evolving all the time,” said Castile.

“We just want to make sure we have workforce that has the ability to thrive in this new environment, so it’s a natural extension of what we do at Robotics Park.”

Alabama’s status is really growing in the automotive industry, and workforce will be a key component as we try to keep up with and even get ahead of what’s going on in the industry. Everything we can come up that supports the development of our workforce is a step forward.”

Governor Kay Ivey issued a statement regarding the new center.

“Alabama is already a recognized leader in workforce development, and this training center concentrating on EVs and new technologies will add an important dimension to our capabilities,” Ivey said. “This investment shows that we’re fully committed to making Alabama an even greater force in the global auto industry in the future.”

The new center will span 40,000 square feet at Robotics Park, where there is room for growth on 40 available acres. It is expected to be operational in 18 to 24 months.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.