August 2025
The Mobile/Baldwin County region is experiencing strong economic growth, driven by major corporate expansions, aerospace milestones, and key infrastructure developments.
Baldwin County Named Sixth-Fastest-Growing U.S. Metro Area
What This Means For You: Baldwin County surged to become the sixth fastest-growing metropolitan area nationwide, with over 260,000 residents and a remarkable 66% population increase over two decades—driven largely by incoming migration and retirees, underscoring escalating housing demand and economic opportunity.
Mobile Airport Slated to Open in Fall 2026
What This Means For You: Mobile is set to gain a major new economic and transportation asset with the opening of a new commercial airport in downtown Mobile by fall 2026. The project is expected to boost connectivity, tourism, and business development in the region, positioning the city as a stronger hub for both travel and commerce.
Germany’s Butting Selects Baldwin County for HQ and Its First U.S. Production Facility
What This Means For You: Butting, a global stainless steel pipe manufacturer, announced plans today to establish its North American headquarters and first United States production facility in Baldwin County as part of a $61 million growth project. The company’s plans will unfold in two strategic phases, triggering the creation of up to 100 high-quality jobs with wages significantly above the county average.
Mobile and Baldwin Counties Crowned Tourism Powerhouses After Record-Breaking Year
What This Means For You: In 2024, Mobile and Baldwin counties collectively attracted 25% of Alabama’s tourists and generated approximately $3.4 billion in direct and indirect tourism spending, highlighting the region’s powerful draw as a Gulf Coast destination.
Prism Systems Will Invest $6.4 Million in Mobile, Creating 52 jobs
What This Means For You: Prism Systems, a software and engineering solutions company, is investing $6.4 million to relocate its headquarters and operations to downtown Mobile. The move will bring 52 high-paying jobs and further diversify Mobile’s technology and innovation economy.
Kimberly-Clark To Invest $130M and Expand Mobile Facility, Creating 29 New Jobs
What This Means For You: As part of its commitment to deliver breakthrough innovation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation plans to expand its Mobile, AL manufacturing facility. The company will invest more than $130 million in a new production line dedicated to creating its next generation of consumer-preferred hygiene products. The project will create approximately 29 new jobs.
SSAB, Nelson Brothers Invest $74 Million in Mobile County Expansion
What This Means For You: SSAB, a Swedish steelmaker, and Nelson Brothers, an explosives manufacturer, are jointly investing $74 million to expand operations in Mobile County. SSAB is increasing heat treatment capacity at its Axis facility, strengthening Mobile’s industrial base and workforce opportunities.
New Hotels in Foley and Bay Minette to Boost Sports Tourism and Ecotourism
What This Means For You: As previously reported by GCM in an article on the 2024 Alabama Tourism Economic Report, 2.1 million travelers stayed in Baldwin County hotels and motels last year with an average occupancy rate of 62.5% at an average of $164 a night, the highest occupancy rate and price per night in the state. Both Bay Minette and Foley marked this tourism growth with recent celebrations, including groundbreakings and grand openings for Cobblestone Hotels and Suites.
Airbus Delivers 100th A220 from Mobile Facility, Marking Milestone for Alabama’s Aerospace Industry
What This Means For You: Airbus has delivered its 100th A220 aircraft assembled at its Mobile facility, a major milestone for Alabama’s aerospace industry. The achievement highlights Mobile’s growing global importance in aviation manufacturing and cements its role as a long-term hub for Airbus operations.
