Tuscaloosa is the center for industry, commerce, education and healthcare for West Alabama. The University of Alabama is the dominant factor for the economy. Tuscaloosa is home to a Mercedes-Benz automotive assembly plant. The Tuscaloosa plants that provide the components to the Mercedes-Benz facility also are significant factors for the economy. Tuscaloosa has attracted companies from countries such as Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom.
About 25% of the workforce is employed by local, state and federal government agencies. Approximately 16% are employed in the manufacturing sector. The diversified manufacturing sector includes industries such as automotive, plastic injection molding, electronics, wood products, steel, food items and chemicals. About 11% of Tuscaloosa's workers are employed in the arts, entertainment, accommodation, recreation and food services industries. Approximately one-fifth of the jobs are in retail and wholesale trade. Healthcare jobs are provided by the DCH Regional Medical Center, Bryce Hospital and the VA Medical Center.
Notable information regarding Tuscaloosa: The Tuscaloosa-Birmingham corridor is consistently ranked in the top 20 markets in the nation for entrepreneurial success. For the population over the age of 25, about 31% have a bachelor's degree or higher. The cost of living index was 90.1 in 2008 and the nations's average is 100. The average earnings in early 2009 was $32,000.
Tuscaloosa's industrial base includes:
- Mercedes-Benz U.S. International - Vehicles
- JVC America - CDs/magnetic tape
- Nucor Steel
- Elk Corporation of America - Asphalt, shingles
- BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing - Tires
- Phifer Wire Products
- Gulf States Paper Corporation
- Johnson Controls - Automotive components
- ZF Industries - Automotive axle systems
- Radicispandex
- Ai3 - Parts sequencing for MBUSI
- Coral Industries - Bathroom fixtures
- Delphi Automotive Systems - Automotive cockpit assemblies
Shown below is a list of the top employers in Tuscaloosa:
- The University of Alabama - Higher education
- DCH Regional Medical Center - Medical services
- Mercedes-Benz U.S. International - Vehicles
- Tuscaloosa County Board of Education - Public education
- BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing - Tires
- Phifer Wire Products - Aluminum/fiberglass screening
- Jim Walter Resources - Coal mining
- City Board of Education - Public education
- Northport Medical Center - Medical services
- City of Tuscaloosa - Local government services
- Community Srv Programs of W Alabama Inc
- Bunn Bros Materials
- Tuscaloosa Housing Authority
- Pritchett-Moore
- Pine Valley LLC
Helpful business organizations for Tuscaloosa companies:
- Alabama International Trade Center
- The Small Business Development Center
- Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence
- Center for Business and Economic Research
The Tuscaloosa News provides information about the current business activities in the Tuscaloosa area.