Alabama Manufacturing Now!

Alabama Manufacturing Now Episode 28

In this episode of Alabama Manufacturing Now, we sit down with the team from EFI Automotive, recipient of the 2025 Medium Manufacturer of the Year Award, to learn more about the company’s culture, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Hear how EFI Automotive continues to grow and succeed through strong leadership, investment in people, and a focus on quality and continuous improvement. From wo...

In this episode, we sit down with James Potts, Plant Manager at Peak Renewables in Dothan, Alabama, to discuss the company’s growth, innovation, and impact in the industry. James shares an inside look at their operations, workforce, and the strategies that have helped drive their success. He also talks about what it means to be named the 2025 Emerging Manufacturer of the Year and how their team co...

In this episode of Alabama Manufacturing Now, we sit down with Keith Phillips, ATN Executive Director and ACCS Deputy Chancellor of Workforce and Economic Development, to discuss how the Alabama Training Network (ATN) and the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) are bridging the gap between education and industry. From workforce development and customized training to enhancing Alabama’s manufac...

In this episode, we sit down with the 2025 Alabama Manufacturer of the Year – Large Manufacturer Winner, ArcelorMittal Calvert, to talk about what it takes to lead at the highest level of manufacturing excellence. Joining Paige and Whitney, the ArcelorMittal Calvert team shares insight into their operation, workforce culture, innovation strategy, and the commitment to continuous improvement that h...

Alabama Manufacturing Now EP 22

In this special episode, Paige and Whitney sit down with Gregg Bennett, retired ATN Center Director, to explore the history of the Alabama Technology Network and the origins that shaped who we are today. Gregg takes us back to ATN’s earliest days, sharing the vision, challenges, and milestones that built the foundation of the statewide network we know today. Understanding where ATN began is essent...

In this episode, Whitney and Joey, with the Alabama Technology Network (ATN), sit down with Rob White, with the Alabama Rural Water Association (ARWA), and Amanda Rials, ATN Project Engineer in Food Industry, to discuss the essential role ARWA plays in supporting Alabama’s water and wastewater systems. From technical training and certification programs to advocacy and system management, ARWA helps...

In this episode, Whitney and Joey highlight ATN’s partnership with Sonoco, where ATN is providing Leadership Management and Development training tailored to strengthen and empower Sonoco’s workforce. Listeners will hear from Sonoco's Plant Manager, David Lugo, and ATN's Mike Pierce, as they discuss how this customized approach is helping leaders enhance communication, boost team performanc...

Listeners step inside the ACCS Innovation Center, a statewide hub designed to close skill gaps and connect Alabamians with high-demand career opportunities. In this episode, we sit down with Julie Frizzell, Executive Director of the ACCS Innovation Center, to explore how the center is reshaping workforce development through innovative training programs, flexible learning models, and strong industr...

In this episode of Alabama Manufacturing Now, we’re joined by Barbie Peek, Chief Business Development Officer for the Port of Huntsville. Barbie shares how the Port, which includes Huntsville International Airport, the International Intermodal Center, and Jetplex Industrial Park, plays a critical role in advancing Alabama’s economy and supporting industrial growth. From logistics and air cargo to...

Lindsay Fray and Phillip Marks with Apex Accelerators sit down with Paige and Whitney to discuss how Apex Accelerators are helping small businesses across the country break into the world of government contracting. Apex Accelerators offers free, personalized guidance to businesses navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local contracting. From understanding regulations to preparing bids...

In Episode 15 of Alabama Manufacturing Now, Paige and Whitney sit down with Jim Searcy, Executive Director of the Economic Development Association of Alabama (EDAA), to explore the strategies shaping Alabama’s economic future. With decades of experience in economic development, Jim shares valuable insights into the role of manufacturing in driving growth, the importance of workforce development, a...

Lindsay Cline, Gulf Coast Regional Lead with the U.S. Maritime Industrial Base, joins Paige and Whitney to discuss dedicated resources designed to empower and enhance the maritime industrial base. From shipbuilding and port operations to logistics and offshore energy, this initiative provides essential support, strategic insights, and industry-specific training to help maritime businesses thrive....

Paige and Whitney sit down with Amanda Salazar, Vice President of Communications and Membership, to discuss how joining Manufacture Alabama gives manufacturing companies a stronger voice, greater influence, and access to invaluable resources that drive business success. As a member, you gain advocacy and representation, ensuring your interests are protected on key legislative and regulatory issues...

Join Paige and Whitney and guest host Joey Massey as they sit down with Carrie Hines, President and CEO of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC). The ASMC is a dedicated organization that advocates for the interests of small and medium-sized manufacturers across the United States. Working closely with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program under the National Institute...

Join Paige and Whitney and guest host Joey Massey as they sit down with Carrie Hines, President and CEO of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC). The ASMC is a dedicated organization that advocates for the interests of small and medium-sized manufacturers across the United States. Working closely with the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a program under the National Institute...

The Alabama State Port Authority operates the Port of Mobile, a vital gateway for global commerce and one of the nation's largest deep-water ports. Strategically located on the Gulf of Mexico, the port serves as a critical hub for international trade, connecting industries across Alabama and the southeastern United States to markets worldwide. With modern facilities, robust infrastructure, and mul...

Robin Ricks, Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at Manufacture Alabama, joins Whitney and Paige to discuss the organization’s vital role as the only trade association in Alabama exclusively dedicated to representing manufacturers and their partners. Manufacture Alabama is committed to advancing the manufacturing sector by advocating for policies that drive economic growth, support workforce d...

Exciting Announcement: Four-State Supply Chain Event! Whitney, Paige, and Joey recently sat down with the Mississippi Manufacturing Association to discuss the upcoming event and the valuable insights attendees can expect to gain. We’re excited to host the Four-State Supply Chain Event in Starkville, Mississippi, on February 17-18, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Receiving workforce training in a timely fashion offers significant advantages to both employees and organizations. Mona Mullins, Plant Manager with Connector Manufacturing, and Tim Croley, ATN Project Engineer, sit down with Paige and Whitney to discuss how timely training is imperative as a refresher after an incident or how it can enable employees to quickly adapt to new tools, technologies, an...

Whitney and Paige sit down with Sarah Mills Carter, a Regional Workforce Council Liaison with AIDT, as they discuss resources for Alabama manufacturers. Training is essential to equip employees with the necessary skills to handle advanced machinery, ensure safety, and maintain high production standards. However, training alone is not enough—hiring the right talent is equally important. Manufacture...

Join Whitney and Paige as they delve into the pressing issues shaping today's trucking industry. Guest Mark Colson, the Executive Director of the Alabama Trucking Association, will navigate the intricate logistics of supply chains, explore the nuances of workforce development, and unpack the industry's critical challenges the intricate logistics of supply chains, explore the nuances of wor...

Partnerships often lead to innovative solutions and creative ideas as different perspectives and expertise come together. Strong partnerships can contribute to long-term stability and sustainability, as they often result in enduring business relationships built on trust and mutual benefit. Louis and Karla Johnson, owners of Johnson Labs in Troy, AL, and Brandon Lineberry, Project Manager with ATN,...

President and CEO of I5 Services Alan Davis joined the ATN Podcast to discuss Connex Marketplace, an online platform that “connects all U.S. manufacturers and suppliers into a single, accurate, searchable supply-chain database.” Understanding the geographic makeup of manufacturers and suppliers to shorten supply chains is an important component of strengthening regional ecosystems. ATN partnered w...