Montgomery's central location in Alabama's Black Belt makes it a processing
hub for crops such as cotton, peanuts, and soybeans. In 1840 Montgomery County
led the state in cotton production, and by 1911, the city processed
160,000–200,000 bales of cotton annually. Montgomery has long had large metal
fabrication and lumber production sectors. Due to its location along the
Alabama River and extensive rail connections, Montgomery has and continues to
be a regional distribution hub for a wide range of industries. Today, the city's
Gross Metropolitan Product is $12.15 billion, representing 8.7% of the Gross
State
