Alabama Department of Commerce Named National Honoree for EV Technology Center
The Alabama Department of Commerce has garnered national recognition from Business Facilities magazine, being named to the prestigious 2025 class of “Economic Development Organizations of the Year.” This accolade highlights the ongoing construction of the $30 million Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology Center, established by AIDT, Alabama’s workforce development agency.
The EV Technology Center is pivotal to Alabama’s ambition to spearhead advancements in electric vehicle manufacturing. Situated at the Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Decatur, the facility aims to equip the state’s workforce with the cutting-edge skills necessary for next-generation, sustainable vehicle production. Construction commenced in October 2024, with plans for completion by August 2025.
Ed Castile, AIDT director and deputy secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, expressed pride in the initiative. “Through the EV Tech Center, we’re creating a pipeline of talent ready for the electric vehicle era—built in Alabama, by Alabamians,” he stated, emphasizing collaboration with major automakers, universities, and industry organizations.
The development involves a statewide EV Technology Committee that includes key players such as the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the Alabama Community College System, and SAE International, which is also facilitating vital training certifications. Despite the ongoing construction, AIDT is proactively implementing a curriculum and pilot training programs at various automotive plants across Alabama.
"We’re hitting every milestone," Castile noted, emphasizing the commitment to meeting the industry’s evolving needs ahead of the center’s official opening.
Now in its third year, the Business Facilities’ EDO Awards celebrate innovative economic development efforts across various sectors, recognizing the vital role these initiatives play in workforce development, manufacturing, and site readiness. This honor reflects Alabama’s strong stance in the emerging electric vehicle landscape.
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