VANCE, Ala. – The state and private industry are teaming up in an effort to help Alabama’s automotive industry.
Gov. Bob Riley will be at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa County on Wednesday to announce a new pilot program. It’s meant to help the state’s auto suppliers improve their performance with economics, energy and the environment.
Riley’s office says the program will help automotive suppliers improve energy efficiency, reduce pollution and train employees in “green” manufacturing practices.
The program includes several state and federal agencies along with Alabama Power Co., Alabama Gas Corp., the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. The association’s most recent survey showed that more than 48,000 people worked in Alabama’s auto industry in 2007.