The Mobile Chamber has revealed that the city’s economy had over $422 million in capital investment and almost 1,400 jobs created in 2024 alone. The numbers have translated into a booming economy that has drawn both businesses and new residents to the Port City. With the strong performance in both categories, Mobile is continuing its rise as a national hub for innovation, manufacturing, and distribution.
“The success of 2024 is a reflection of the vision and determination of businesses that see Mobile as a place where innovation and opportunity thrive,” said Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne. “Team Mobile is laying the groundwork for long-term prosperity and our best days are ahead. We are just getting started.”
Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson believes the investment into Mobile’s economy by various corporations is “shaping a brighter future” for the city and its citizens.
“The growth we’ve seen over the last year is a testament to our region’s economic strength, our skilled workforce, and the confidence that industry has in Mobile’s trajectory,” said Stimpson. “Across multiple sectors, leading companies are choosing to invest and reinvest in our community.”
According to Mobile County Commission President Merceria Ludgood, teamwork was the key to the year’s success.
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“The extraordinary achievements of 2024 underscore the strength of our local economy and demonstrate its leadership in innovation, manufacturing, and distribution. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our community and the collaborative efforts of Team Mobile to foster economic growth and opportunity for all.”
Chamber leadership expects further growth this year.
“With a 5.14% increase in Gross Domestic Product and the diverse range of industries represented in these announcements, we anticipate significant momentum in 2025,” said Mobile Chamber Vice President of Economic Development David Rodgers CEcD. “Our extensive project pipeline spans multiple sectors, ensuring sustained economic development in the Mobile region.”
Highlights of 2024 Projects:
- Eco Material Technologies: Investment of $45 million to establish a facility producing a low-carbon alternative to cement, creating 25 jobs.
- MYER Companies: A 10,000 sq. ft. expansion bringing 26 jobs and a $2.6 million investment.
- Austal: A $288 million investment for a new Final Assembly Building 2 (FA2), creating 1,032 jobs.
- Birdon: A shipyard expansion to construct Waterway Commerce Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard, generating 136 jobs with a $37.55 million investment.
- Frito Lay: Construction of a 25,000 sq. ft. distribution facility in Prichard, creating 50 jobs with a $9.9 million investment.
- Aerostar: A facility expansion with a $4.7 million investment, creating 50 jobs.
- Proplate: A new facility for high-quality steel fabrication, generating 30 jobs over three years with a $1 million investment.
Additional projects include investments by Gulf Sterilization, SSAB Americas, Airbus Defense & Space, Veyer Logistics, and Simpson Strong-Tie.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
