ArchiTreats: Food For Thought Presentation

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Cars Fell On Alabama: The Automotive Industry Comes to Alabama
A panel discussion led by Bill Taylor and Archie Craft

ArchiTreats

ArchiTreats: Food for Thought continues another year of interesting and informative talks on Alabama history at the Alabama Department of Archives and History. Join us at noon on Thursday, July 18th, as Bill Taylor and Archie Craft lead a panel discussion titled, Cars Fell on Alabama: The Automotive Industry Comes to Alabama.

2013 marks the 20th anniversary of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI)’s decision to locate an assembly plant in Alabama. The arrival of MBUSI ignited the car industry in our state and two decades later Alabama has emerged as one of the nation’s leading car manufacturers. What impact has the industry had on our economy and what role will it play in the future? How does MBUSI view its original decision to call Alabama home? Join us this month to learn more.

Following a successful career in the automotive industry that spanned 38 years, Bill Taylor now serves as the President of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA). Prior to joining EDPA in 2009, Taylor was President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz International, Inc. A native of London, Ontario, Taylor came to Alabama when MBUSI located in the state in 1993. He was a key figure in the start-up of the new plant and oversaw numerous expansions during his tenure.

Archie Craft is Vice President of Human Resources at Mercedes-Benz International, Inc. He joined MBUSI in 1994 and was instrumental in its start-up, production activities, and expansion. Prior to joining MBUSI, Craft held a variety of operations and management position including supervising floor operations for Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Kentucky. This ArchiTreats presentation is made possible by the Friends of the Alabama Archives and a grant from the Alabama Humanities Foundation, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. The public is invited to bring a sack lunch and enjoy a bit of Alabama history.