The efficient and effective movement of freight is a critical component in the transformation and growth of the Alabama economy. The Alabama economy has experienced dramatic changes in composition and structure over the past five decades. In recent years, the changes have been most evident in the rapid growth of the automotive, aerospace, and life science industries and declines in the textile, apparel, agricultural, and natural resource industries. All of these trends are very likely to continue. As an example, approximately 240,000 automobiles were assembled in Alabama in 2003. By 2006, that number is expected to grow to almost 800,000 arising from the expansion of the Mercedes and Honda plants and the construction of a new Hyundai plant. In addition to the rapid growth of the automotive industry, tomorrow’s economy will likely include biomedical, robotics, advanced logistics, and other knowledge-based industries. In a very real sense, over the past twenty years, Alabama has transitioned rapidly into a manufacturing economy from an agricultural and natural resource economy while simultaneously beginning the additional transition to a knowledge-based economy. The continued transition and growth of the Alabama economy cannot occur without adequate and appropriate transportation infrastructure.

Project Purpose
The challenge in this effort was to gain an understanding of Alabama’s Aerospace Industry workforce expectations and how they may evolve over the next decade. This aerospace company perspective will provide the aerospace industry a better understanding of itself as well as offer insight about the strategic requirements necessary for the continued success of this important Alabama industry.