Speakin’ Out News
Madison and Limestone counties claimed the top economic development spots in Alabama, according to the state’s annual New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report released this last week by Gov. Kay Ivey.
The 2025 report shows Limestone County ranked first statewide for new capital investment, totaling $6.65 billion, while Madison County led Alabama in new job commitments with 2,424 jobs. Limestone County followed closely with 858 new jobs.
Statewide, Alabama recorded a histoWric $14.6 billion in total capital investment across 234 new and expanding industry projects, marking the largest single-year investment total in state history. The projects collectively created 9,388 new jobs, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Alabama’s economy is riding a wave of historic momentum,” Ivey said in announcing the report. She noted that since taking office in 2017, the state has attracted $69 billion in investment and created more than 100,000 jobs through targeted recruitment and workforce development efforts.
Limestone County Leads State in Investment
Limestone County’s top ranking was driven largely by Eli Lilly and Company’s $6 billion advanced manufacturing facility in Huntsville and Limestone County — the largest initial investment ever announced in Alabama.
The pharmaceutical facility will produce synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients and is expected to create 450 high-skilled jobs, including positions for engineers, scientists and lab technicians.
In total, Limestone County landed 16 new and expanding industry projects in 2025, accounting for approximately $6.6 billion in investment and 858 new jobs.
“Limestone County’s performance demonstrates that our community has arrived as a major player in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and bioscience,” said Bethany Shockney, president and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association.
Additional Limestone County projects included expansions by Carpenter Technology, Cast Products, Titomic USA, GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and Daikyo Nishikawa.
Madison County Tops Job Creation
Madison County’s 2,424 new job commitments placed it first statewide for job growth, reflecting continued strength in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, and technology sectors. Economic leaders cited the county’s skilled workforce, research institutions, and infrastructure as key advantages.
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the results highlight the early success of the state’s new Catalyst growth strategy, which emphasizes site readiness, workforce preparation, and long-term competitiveness.
With Limestone County leading in investment and Madison County topping job creation, state and local leaders say North Alabama continues to solidify its position as one of the Southeast’s most dynamic economic development regions.
