Sheet Metal Stamping Simulation

Now, with Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai producing hundreds of thousands of vehicles there each year, Alabama is helping its auto suppliers improve economic, energy, and environmental performance. 

 

Dubbed Alabama E3 (Economy, Energy, Environment), the initiative coordinates technical assistance programs offered at the federal, state, and local levels that help companies maximize energy efficiency, reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and train employees in “green” manufacturing practices.

 

“In this challenging economy, we must use innovation, collaboration, and all available tools to help our manufacturers gain a competitive advantage,” says Alabama Governor Bob Riley. “This will make Alabama stand out as a leader among states in this new era that demands economic and resource efficiency.”

 

The program initially focuses on 15 automotive suppliers around Huntsville, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa. Experts will assess the production processes of suppliers in these cities, implement projects that reduce energy consumption and increase productivity, and train workers.

 

“The response so far has been encouraging,” says Chris Franklin, a spokesperson for the Alabama Technology Network, an organization that provides technical assistance and training to improve the state’s business and industry. “The savings that will result from our assessments will not only be economically positive for the companies involved, but by promoting sustainability in the manufacturing sector, the entire state will see impacts in terms of economics, energy, and the environment, which is what E3 is all about.”