Madison and Limestone counties claimed the top spots according to the state’s annual economic development report released this week by Governor Kay Ivey.
The 2025 New & Expanding Industry Announcements Report shows Limestone County ranked first statewide for new capital investment, totaling $6,653,127,635, while Madison County led Alabama in new job commitments with 2,424 jobs, followed by Limestone County with 858.
Statewide, Alabama recorded a historic $14.6 billion in total capital investment across 234 new and expanding industry projects, marking the largest single-year total in state history. The projects collectively committed 9,388 new jobs, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce.
“Alabama’s economy is riding a wave of historic momentum, with innovative developments, high-quality jobs and transformative investments ushering in an extraordinary era of prosperity,” 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 investment statewide
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 project will produce synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical ingredients and is expected to create 450 high-skilled jobs, including positions for engineers, scientists and lab technicians.
In total, Limestone County secured 16 new and expanding industry projects in 2025, accounting for approximately $6.6 billion in investment and 858 new jobs.
“Limestone County’s performance in 2025 demonstrates that our community has arrived as a major player in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and bioscience industries,” said Bethany Shockney, president and CEO of the Limestone County Economic Development Association. “These investments represent more than numbers on a page. They represent exceptional career opportunities for our residents and validation of the strategic work our community has done to compete on the global stage.”
Additional Limestone County projects include Carpenter Technology’s $354 million specialty metals expansion in Tanner, Cast Products’ $74 million aluminum foundry expansion in Athens, and Titomic USA’s $30 million titanium additive manufacturing facility in Huntsville, along with expansions by GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman and DaikyoNishikawa.
Madison County tops job creation
Madison County’s 2,424 new job commitments placed it first statewide for job creation, reflecting continued growth in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing and technology sectors. Economic development leaders cite the county’s workforce pipeline, research assets and infrastructure as key drivers of employer expansion.
Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the statewide results confirm the early success of the department’s new Catalyst strategic growth plan, which focuses on industrial site readiness, workforce preparation and long-term competitiveness.
Foreign direct investment also played a significant role in Alabama’s 2025 performance, totaling $3.6 billion and accounting for 2,274 new jobs across the state.
With Limestone County leading Alabama in investment and Madison County topping job growth, state and local leaders say North Alabama continues to strengthen its position as one of the Southeast’s most active economic development regions.
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