Officials are calling it a game changer for the Shoals: Hadrian is set to officially move into its advanced manufacturing facility in Barton tomorrow, marking the start of a major defense manufacturing operation in Northwest Alabama.

The project represents a $2 billion investment and will repurpose the former railcar plant in Barton. Leaders say the facility is expected to bring nearly 900 jobs within the next two and a half years, a significant boost for the region’s workforce and economy. Hadrian plans to use the plant to build components for U.S. Navy vessels, tying the Shoals directly into national defense supply chains. Local educators and workforce leaders say preparations are already underway to ensure area residents can compete for the new positions. Northwest Shoals Community College Vice President John McIntosh said the goal is to keep talented students in the area with stable, well-paying careers. “An opportunity for our students to have well-paying, high quality life sustaining jobs that will be available in the very near future. That’s my hope that whatever job that’s available, that it will be someone from Northwest Alabama that’s hired in that position,” McIntosh said. McIntosh added that college leaders plan to adjust curriculum and training programs based on the skills Hadrian will need, helping build a local pipeline of qualified workers.

Full report : Hadrian set to open ‘Factory 4’ in Colbert County, bringing $2 billion investment and 1,000 jobs.

For more see the OODA Company Profile on Hadrian.