AUBURN, AL—German auto parts maker Schmidt Maschinenbau GmbH is building its first U.S. assembly here. The $17 million factory is expected to begin production next year.

WASHINGTON—The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers this week opened an organizing office in Mobile, AL, to provide support for Airbus workers interested in forming a union at the company’s soon-to-be-completed final assembly line.

HUNTSVILLE, AL—Boeing has opened a new research center here that will focus on materials for future advanced aircraft and spacecraft.

MOBILE, AL—The first major components for A320 airliners have arrived at Airbus’ new assembly plant here. Ulrich Weber, vice president of the factory, says airplane production will begin in July after the wings, stabilizers and fuselages move through testing stations.

MOBILE, AL—Airbus’ newly hired U.S. manufacturing employees arrived back home in Mobile May 31 after six or more months of training in Hamburg, Germany.

LINCOLN, AL—Honda has opened a new state-of-the-art engine assembly line here. The $71.4 million facility will produce V6 engines for Odyssey minivans, Pilot SUVs and Acura MDX SUVs.

SEOUL, Korea—Hyundai Motor Co. is considering setting up a second plant in the United States in an effort to boost production of full-size vehicles in line with rising demand. The new factory, set to be built near the carmaker’s current Alabama plant, would have an annual production capacity of 300,000 units.

MOBILE, AL—Airbus is looking for the next round of technicians for its assembly plant under construction here. The jobs are of varying skill levels.

TROY, AL—Lockheed Martin plans to expand its missile assembly plant here and add 240 employees.

MOBILE, AL—With its powerhouse operational and construction of three primary structures categorized at “substantial completion,” Airbus’ A320 assembly plant here could receive its first shipment of major components from Europe as early as June.