The Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence (AIME) was established in response to growing manufacturing-related technology and human resource needs. AIME operates as a full partnership between UA, state industry and government, and federal research agencies.

The AIME building, which was completed in December 2000, contains conference and meeting rooms, multimedia classrooms, office suites for faculty and administrators, and multipurpose research labs, including a high bay lab with a 10-ton crane.

In July 2004, AIME was announced as the headquarters of the Southern Alliance for the Utilization of Biomass Resources, a new alliance of landowners, private industry, government, and academic institutions.

The Alabama Institute for Manufacturing Excellence is building 139 on the campus map.