BY SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
The City of Huntsville has approved two major development agreements expected to create more than 450 new jobs and nearly $200 million in capital investment, further strengthening the city’s role as a hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
City officials approved agreements with Blue Origin and SPX Enterprises, projects that will expand Huntsville’s industrial footprint while providing long-term employment opportunities for the region.
Blue Origin plans to invest $71.4 million to expand operations in Cummings Research Park and Jetplex Industrial Park. The expansion will establish Alabama as home to the company’s thruster production operations and is expected to create 105 new jobs.
As part of the agreement, the City of Huntsville will provide up to $200,000 in hiring incentives and up to $200,000 to support related infrastructure improvements. The incentives are contingent upon Blue Origin meeting specific job creation and investment benchmarks.
SPX Enterprises is developing a $118 million production facility in the Greenbrier area west of County Line Road. The 460,000-square-foot facility will manufacture large-scale cooling and air-handling equipment for data centers and is projected to create 350 jobs.
The City of Huntsville and the Industrial Development Authority approved up to $250,000 in incentives for SPX Enterprises, contingent upon the company meeting agreed-upon hiring and wage benchmarks through Dec. 31, 2029.
Both development agreements include non-educational tax abatements for a period of 10 years, a tool city officials say helps Huntsville remain competitive in attracting high-impact industries.
Mayor Tommy Battle said Huntsville’s skilled workforce and stable leadership continue to attract investment.
“Huntsville’s stability in governance, coupled with a highly skilled workforce, continues to make the Rocket City attractive to new and expanding industry,” Battle said. “These investments in facilities and people are fueling Huntsville’s economy and providing employment opportunities for generations to come.”
City leaders say the projects align with Huntsville’s long-term economic strategy focused on sustainable growth and quality job creation.