The Automotive cluster is an established cluster in the Southeast Gas Region. One of the main assets for this industry is the proximity to automotive assembly facilities, particularly Hyundai Motor Manufacturing assembly plant and supplier park operations. Additionally, Auburn University has major engineering resources within the region, including an automotive engineering and manufacturing minor. Auburn is also home to the Advanced Manufacturing Research Center, the Center for Polymer and Advanced Composites and the National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence.
Talent
- Nearly 1 million population in the region
- Labor force of more than 430,000
- 6,135 degrees awarded in the region related to Automotive with 537 of those in mechanic and repair technologies and 433 in precision production (2017)
- 1,250 degrees awarded in Engineering (2017)
- Production workforce of 46,000
- Existing pool of high-demand workers for automotive businesses
Thriving Business
- Southeast Gas region firm Hyundai Motor Manufacturing undergoing $388 million expansion of its facility, which now employs 3,200 people
- Concentration of Automobile Manufacturing (with a Location Quotient of 14.88)
- Concentration of Motor Vehicle Brake System Manufacturing (with a Location Quotient of 13.84)
- Concentration of Engine and Machine Assemblers (with a Location Quotient of 5.84)
Area Assets
- Automotive assembly facilities in close proximity
- Commercial air service provides logistical advantage
- Affordable labor cost
- Interstate highways provide for logistical advantage
- Excellent vocational training
- 22 colleges & universities in the region
- Engineering related programs in area
- Availability of fully served industrial sites
- Plentiful water and wastewater resources
- Affordable cost of living
Automotive Existing Pool of High-Demand Occupations, 2018
Southeast Gas Region and Subregions
The Southeast Gas region comprises 18 counties in southeast Alabama that are served by Southeast Gas. These counties are Barbour, Butler, Chambers, Coffee, Conecuh, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Escambia, Henry, Houston, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Pike and Russell. Given the diversity of this territory, Garner Economics divided the region into two subregions: North and South. The map above illustrates the subregions for the purposes of the Garner Economics Target Industries Study. This subdivision was accomplished based on industry clusters by county.