By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
HUNTSVILLE — Huntsville’s booming tech and healthcare sectors are getting another boost as an eye care technology company has broken ground on a new $82 million facility in the city.
Local officials joined company leaders this week for the groundbreaking ceremony, celebrating what they described as both an economic investment and a step forward in expanding medical innovation in North Alabama.
A Major Investment in Healthcare Technology
The new facility will serve as a hub for research, development, and advanced manufacturing in eye care technologies. Company executives said the project is expected to bring hundreds of new jobs to the Huntsville area, with opportunities ranging from engineering to skilled trades.
Mayor Tommy Battle praised the announcement, calling Huntsville “a city where innovation and healthcare are merging to create world-class opportunities.” He added that the project highlights Huntsville’s ability to attract high-tech industries with strong workforce pipelines.
Built in Cummings Research Park
The facility will be located in Cummings Research Park, on a 25-acre site at the corner of Mark Smith Drive and Explorer Boulevard. Company officials said the site was chosen for its proximity to Huntsville’s growing biotech, aerospace, and engineering sectors. There are also plans for possible expansion onto an additional 15 acres.
Battle said the location cements Huntsville’s reputation as “a city where collaboration between industry, research, and higher education drives growth and innovation.”
Workforce and Economic Impact
The $82 million investment is expected to have ripple effects across the region. Economic development officials estimate the facility will generate millions in tax revenue and strengthen Huntsville’s reputation as a destination for advanced medical technology companies.
State lawmakers said the project reflects a broader strategy to diversify Alabama’s economy while providing new training and career opportunities for residents.
Next Steps
Construction on the facility is already underway, with completion projected for late 2026. Company leaders said they plan to begin hiring in phases, prioritizing partnerships with local colleges, universities, and workforce development programs to fill positions.