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Target Industries

Companies across diverse industry sectors thrive in the Wiregrass Region. We are well-positioned for continued growth in several specific clusters already thriving here, including aerospace/defense, advanced manufacturing, automotive, agriculture, and food warehousing and distribution.

Aerospace/Defense

At the center of the Wiregrass Region’s aerospace industry is Fort Rucker, located in Dale County, home to the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence, the primary training location for Army Aviation.

Other Resources

  • Alabama Aviation College is a unit of Enterprise State Community College with locations in Ozark & Andalusia that offers technical training for high-demand careers. Alabama Aviation College programs focus on avionics and aviation mechanics training.

  • The Enterprise Municipal Airport is a city-owned, public use airport that handles about 120 flights per day. It is located on the southwest side of the city about three miles from downtown Enterprise. Established on approximately 235 acres, the airport features a 5,100-foot runway capable of receiving small passenger planes and corporate jets. The airport also provides fueling services and has hangar space for rent. 

Advanced Manufacturing

The Wiregrass Region is prime for advanced manufacturing companies, thanks to a capable workforce experienced with utilizing technology to create products ranging from diecast machinery parts to architectural components.

Quick Facts

  • Enterprise Community College launched a Mechatronics program in 2019 nationally recognized as a “School on the Rise” by NC3.
  • Wallace Community College offers advanced manufacturing degrees in Applied Engineering Technology, Engineering Graphics, Industrial Maintenance Technology, and Manufacturing Skills Standards Council.

Automotive

With Michelin North America as a major employer, one could say the Wiregrass Region is a key place where the rubber meets the road in Alabama’s booming statewide automotive industry.

Quick Facts

  • Alabama is home to Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, Mercedes Benz, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota.
  • Hwaseung Automotive Alabama is among several automotive parts manufacturers in our region.

Agriculture

Peanuts, poultry, and paper top the list of most notable goods produced by our robust agriculture industry.

Quick Facts

  • Large employers in our agriculture sector include poultry companies Pilgrim’s Pride and Wayne Farms.
  • According to the Alabama Department of Commerce, we grow more than half the peanuts in the U.S. within 100 miles of our region.

Food Warehousing & Distribution

The Wiregrass Region offers an excellent location for food warehousing and distribution companies to serve customers throughout the Southeast.

Quick Facts

  • Ben E. Keith, one of the largest family-owned distribution companies in the U.S., operates its Southeast regional headquarters and two warehouse facilities in Elba and New Brockton.
  • Sysco, the global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food products to restaurants, and other customers who prepare meals away from home, operates its large Sysco Gulf Coast facility in Geneva.