Alabama city approves deal for Blue Origin rocket engine plant

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A rocket engine factory and nearly 400 high-paying jobs could come to an Alabama city.

AL.com reports the Huntsville City Council unanimously approved the two-phase deal Thursday night to bring a Blue Origin factory that would create full-time jobs with hourly wages averaging at least $36. Blue Origin would invest a total of $200 million.

The agreement depends on Blue Origin Alabama getting a production contract from United Launch Alliance, which needs a new engine. ULA assembles rockets in Decatur to launch military and commercial satellites into space.

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City industrial recruiter Shane Davis says they're confident the plant will come. The decision is expected to be finalized by year's end.

If conditions are met, construction would begin no later than six months after getting the ULA contract.

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