President Joe Biden has signed an order aiming for electric cars to make up 50% of new U.S. sales by 2030 and stricter fuel-economy standards for gas-powered vehicles from 2023-2026.
With Westover Resources’ $271 million investment in a graphite plant in Kellyton, the Lake Martin Area is gaining momentum in graphite processing and battery manufacturing. The plant will employ over 100 full-time workers, producing graphite, a key material in lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries.
“This plant not only will make Alabama the U.S. leader in graphite production, the go-to place for this important resource in battery manufacturing, it also will elevate our standing even more as a major player in the fast-growing electric vehicle sector.”
-Governor Kay Ivey
Medicine and Pharmaceuticals
Innovative technologies are rapidly emerging from medical device manufacturers. With advancements in instrumentation, biotechnology, microelectronics, microsurgery, and more, investing in medical industry innovation is more crucial than ever. Central Alabama Community College offers top-tier training in precision machining, plastic injection molding, instrumentation, and electrical wiring, equipping the Lake Martin area to supply a skilled workforce for the Medical and Pharmaceutical industries.
The Lake Martin area is a hub for healthcare, featuring two major medical centers, a community hospital, seven home healthcare agencies, five assisted living centers, and nine nursing homes—totaling 885 patient rooms, a 24-hour emergency room, and over 31 medical specialties, supported by over 28,000 healthcare professionals.
Alabama’s forests span over 23 million acres, covering nearly 70% of the state and supporting both biodiversity and the economy. The forests are 47% softwood (mostly pine), 41% hardwood, and 12% mixed stands, with softwood acreage increasing. Tallapoosa and Coosa Counties rank second and fourth, respectively, in forested acreage. The Lake Martin Area has a skilled, growing wood products workforce, a strong network of procurement companies, and active loggers, making it an ideal location for success in the wood products industry.
Today’s manufacturing environments have evolved, with technology advancing and global connections expanding. Located in central Alabama, the Lake Martin area is close to Auburn University, a leading research institution, and is easily accessible via US Hwy 280 and excellent transportation infrastructure, allowing products to reach multiple markets quickly. Central Alabama Community College supports local businesses by supplying a skilled workforce through its academic and technical programs, including specialized training for high-demand jobs like computer-controlled machine tool operation and extruding and drawing machine operation in metal and plastic manufacturing.