Canadian company provides PPE for first responders

Canadian industry invests in Alabama, creating local jobs and producing critical equipment for Americans.

INNOTEX, a Canadian leader in the development and manufacturing of personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighters and first responders, was recently awarded a contract with the State of Mississippi, further strengthening its role as a trusted supplier of protective gear. Headquartered in Quebec, the company specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, and distributing fire-protective turnout gear, multifunctional and lighter-weight rescue gear, and protective hoods and gloves.

The firm expanded manufacturing into the United States with the acquisition of a production facility in Ohatchee, Alabama, enabling it to increase capacity and efficiency, and adding 55 employees to its workforce.

Canada’s NEEZO Studios expands footprint in Birmingham

Canada’s NEEZO Studios has expanded in Birmingham, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for innovation and design. NEEZO is a global creative studio and technology company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. In June 2025, the company opened the doors to its first U.S. headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama.

Known for creating stunning 3D architectural renderings, animations, and detailed scale models, NEEZO also develops interactive real estate tools like its signature LiveSite® platform. They’ve worked with major real estate developers, TV producers, and Fortune 500 brands, with their animations featured on shows like HGTV’s Property Brothers and content on Netflix and Disney.

The new 6,000-square-foot space will bring Canadian creative tech expertise closer to U.S. companies and strengthen Alabama’s economy.

Alabama exports $4.3 billion in goods to Canada annually
Alabama exports to Canada by industry

• Chemicals: 4%
• Equipment & machinery: 11%
• Forest products: 5%
• Minerals & metals: 9%
• Plastics & rubbers: 4%
• Transportation: 64%
• Other: 3%

Top Alabama goods exports to Canada

• Automobiles: $1.9 billion
• Aircraft & parts: $340 million
• Trucks: $238 million
• Paper & paperboard: $155 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $127 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $120 million
• Iron & steel tubes, pipes & sheets: $75 million
• Optical, medical & precision instruments: $61 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $61 million
• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $54 million

Alabama exports $519 million in services to Canada annually
Top Alabama services exports to Canada

• Travel (including for education): $158 million
• Financial services: $114 million
• Business services: $111 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $65 million
• Maintenance & repair services: $34 million

Alabama imports $3.3 billion in goods from Canada annually
Alabama imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 6%
• Chemicals: 3%
• Energy: 5%
• Equipment & machinery: 29%
• Forest products: 4%
• Minerals & metals: 23%
• Plastics & rubbers: 5%
• Transportation: 19%
• Other: 6%

Top Alabama goods imports from Canada

• Aluminum & aluminum articles: $438 million
• Engines & turbines: $421 million
• Motor vehicle parts: $233 million
• Aircraft & parts: $212 million
• Crude petroleum: $132 million
• Plastics & plastic articles: $117 million
• Animal or vegetable fats, oils & waxes: $100 million
• Iron & steel alloys & semi-finished products: $90 million
• Furniture & bedding: $88 million
• Softwood lumber: $67 million