Consultants selected to lead Birmingham bioscience industry study

Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is pleased to announce that Deloitte Consulting has been selected to lead a comprehensive bioscience industry study for the Greater Birmingham Region. The three-month project is set to begin next week and is supported by a federal grant BBA received from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration Disaster Recovery Program. The results of the study will provide valuable insight and direction for the future development of Birmingham's bioscience industry and solidify the region’s position as a leader in the field.

"We are thrilled to have Deloitte Consulting leading this important project," said Jacqueline Chandler, BBA’s bioscience program manager. "Their expertise will help us better understand the metro area’s competitive advantages in the sector, identify areas for improvement and create a roadmap for our community’s continued growth and success"

“Our economic development efforts in Shelby County will be well-informed through this collaborative and regional study with BBA, other local partners and Deloitte”

— Amy Sturdivant, President & CEO of 58 Inc.

The study will bring together various stakeholder groups, including businesses, government organizations and educational institutions, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the bioscience industry and identify solutions for building a thriving ecosystem. The project will focus on areas such as lab space, a skilled workforce and access to capital.

BBA, Jefferson County and 58 Inc. will serve as core partners on the project, with support from additional partners including Alabama Power, Bio Alabama, City of Hoover, Southern Research and the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham.

"Our economic development efforts in Shelby County will be well-informed through this collaborative and regional study with BBA, other local partners and Deloitte,” said Amy Sturdivant, President & CEO of 58 Inc. “Existing bioscience businesses and local talent will ultimately benefit from us being better equipped to build the community infrastructure needed for continued success and growth."

Deloitte Consulting expressed their excitement for the opportunity to work in Birmingham, citing the city's potential and promise in the bioscience industry. “The area has variety of foundational assets to build upon” per Matt Szuhaj, Managing Director, Deloitte Consulting LLP.

BBA is seeking to connect with regional bioscience companies who would like to be involved with the study and share their feedback with the consultants. For more information, please contact Jaqueline Chandler by emailing jchandler@birminghambusinessalliance.com.

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is the first stop destination for businesses currently operating or considering an operation in Birmingham. The BBA is the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region and local chamber of commerce for the city of Birmingham. Our mission is to help businesses start, stay and succeed in Birmingham.

Energy Pipe & Supply to invest $1.5 million to open new facility in Birmingham

““Birmingham has proven to be a leader in all forms of industry, and we look forward to being a part of this thriving community.”

— Robert Rovira, President, Energy Pipe & Supply

Energy Pipe & Supply, a distributor of industrial & marine piping products, will invest $1.51 million to open a facility in Birmingham to better serve their global customer base with stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel alloy, copper-nickel, aluminum, and brass piping requirements. The company is creating 10 new, Birmingham-based jobs with an average wage of $72,500. The new facility will be located on 1st Avenue north, near Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood.

“As Energy Pipe & Supply started looking to expand, one city was consistently at the forefront of every conversation,” said Robert Rovira, President of Energy Pipe & Supply. “Birmingham has proven to be a leader in all forms of industry, and we look forward to being a part of this thriving community. Over the next several years we plan on entrenching ourselves in Birmingham through job creation, business development, and community involvement.”

Headquartered in New Orleans, LA., Energy Pipe & Supply’s investment in Birmingham will consist of the purchase of land as well as the renovation of an existing building. The project is estimated to generate more than $1.6 million in economic impact over a 20-year period for the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County and the State of Alabama. Additionally, Energy Pipe & Supply has plans to closely work with the Birmingham Construction Industry Authority (BCIA) to identify and contract with minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged populations-owned contract businesses for the project. The Birmingham Business Alliance worked closely with the company to assist with the approval process as well as critical introductions.

“We are grateful to support Energy Pipe & Supply with their expansion in Birmingham,” said Alex Patrick, Partner, Business Attraction at the BBA. “We’ll continue working with the company to make meaningful connections for them with key partners throughout the Greater Birmingham Region to ensure their success here.”

The Birmingham Business Alliance (BBA) is the first stop destination for businesses currently operating or considering an operation in Birmingham. The BBA is the economic development agency for the Greater Birmingham Region and local chamber of commerce for the city of Birmingham. Our mission is to help businesses start, stay and succeed in Birmingham.