Companies locating and expanding operations in Alabama last year pumped about $6.4 billion into the state’s economy, according to a new report out by the state’s Department of Commerce.

In all, 184 projects in 43 counties will create 8,095 jobs, according to the 2023 Alabama New and Expanding Industry Report, out today.

Gov. Kay Ivey, in a statement, said the report was no occasion for “a victory lap.”

“We continue to make significant progress in our mission to create solid career opportunities for Alabama citizens and to inject economic vitality into cities and communities across the state,” Ivey said. “I’m proud of the fact that since I have been governor, we have seen $49 billion invested in Alabama, which has created some 87,000 new jobs.”

Ivey also set a deadline of Oct. 1 for Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair to develop a new economic development strategic plan.

“Technology is changing all the time, and we need to be prepared for what’s next in a world moving at digital speed,” Ivey said. “We need new strategies and bold approaches that keep us in the driver’s seat for the next 10 years and beyond.”

Alabama’s automotive sector continues to grow, with 1,700 new jobs added last year, along with 1,000 in metals and 700 in information technology.

Foreign direct investment is also surging, with about $3 billion – almost half of last year’s investment total – coming in from companies based in South Korea, Sweden, Germany and other countries.

According to the report, Lee County attracted $689 million in new investment, followed by Montgomery County at $629 million, Walker County at $525 million and Cullman County, with $489 million.

Lee was also the top county for job creation, with 1,251 new positions, ahead of Mobile (743), Jefferson (717) and Cullman (643).

But development wasn’t just restricted to urban areas. About $1.7 billion went into the state’s targeted rural areas, creating more than 1,700 jobs. That includes Clarke, Russell, Escambia, Fayette, Macon and Dallas counties, according to the report.

“I’m confident that we’re helping build a more dynamic economy that spreads opportunity far and wide across the state,” McNair said. “While we still have a lot of work to do, we have the tools needed for the job, and we’re fully committed to creating 21st Century jobs across Alabama.”