The 600,000-square-foot plant will construct
Polaris Industries is planning a manufacturing plant that will bring as many as 2,000 jobs to north Alabama.
Gov. Robert Bentley and other leaders announced the factory Friday in Huntsville. The 600,000-square-foot plant will construct off-road vehicles and adds a new twist to Alabama’s growing vehicle industry, which mainly involves automobiles.
State Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said the project developed quickly and was code-named “Project Axle” to help keep it quiet.
“This is a wonderful way to start the new year,” Bentley said.
The plant is in the Limestone County section of west Huntsville that was annexed by the city.
Ken Purcel, executive Vice President of Polaris, said the Medina, Minnesota-based company plans to begin production in 2016. Employment eventually will grow to about 2,000 jobs, he said. The company evaluated more than 100 sites in 14 states before selecting north Alabama, he said.
Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said Polaris would receive economic incentives totaling as much as $63 million from the state and local governments. That includes $31 million from the state over a decade to help fund construction and $20 million for job screening and training.