ndustry and business of diverse concern have found Tuscaloosa County to be "well-suited" for productive operations. Tuscaloosa is the location of worldwide manufacturers, national headquarters and companies utilizing the latest in high tech processes. Tuscaloosa has the distinction of being home to companies based throughout the world. These businesses successfully produce quality products that are used around the globe. Through the location of such corporations, a strong business foundation continues to grow, supporting our community for other domestic and international business to follow.

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
After an intensive nationwide search, Mercedes chose Tuscaloosa County as the location to build its new all-activity vehicle. Mercedes selected Tuscaloosa because of its "quality work force, strong transportation network, the University of Alabama, business vitality and quality of life." Mercedes represents a major exporting effort as the largest exporter in the state in 1999. Mercedes employs 1,800 people.

JVC America, Inc.
This Japanese-based company located its North American headquarters in Tuscaloosa, AL, because of the welcome company representatives received during their site selection visits. JVC has called Tuscaloosa home since 1986. JVC's investment in Tuscaloosa includes two plants, a compact disc division and a magnetic tape division.

StressCrete Inc.
According to StressCrete officials, the Tuscaloosa area is "ideally situated to meet all our production requirements, with a large, well-educated work force and close proximity to high quality raw materials. It is also strategically positioned in the center of our targeted market area, the Southeastern United States." At its state-of-the-art production facility, this Canadian-based company manufactures decorative and utility streetlight poles from spun concrete.

Tuscaloosa Steel Corporation
Tuscaloosa Steel Corporation represents a United Kingdom investment through its parent company, British Steel plc. In 1994, British Steel executives affirmed their confidence in Tuscaloosa and the global steel market with a $171 million expansion of its current facility. The improvements allow Tuscaloosa Steel to produce 30-ton slabs on- site. Previously, the steel slabs were imported from around the world.

ZF Industries, Inc.
The ZF organization, a Fortune International 500 company, is a world leader in the production of transmissions, axles, steering and chassis components. ZF Industries provides axle systems to the Mercedes-Benz plant and supports ZF's growth in automotive systems. ZF was attracted to the area by the availability of an excellent work force, a healthy labor climate and the quality of technical education fostered by the nearby University of Alabama and Shelton State Community College.

In addition to these fine companies, Tuscaloosa County's business community includes other international companies as well as domestic operations that export their fine products for use around the world. For example, Globe Elastic Company is the world's third largest producer of spandex fiber. And Phifer Wire Products, based in Tuscaloosa since 1952, has been recognized for its exporting success with the Presidential "E Star" Award for Export Excellence.