Novelis Inc., a leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, hosted community members, federal, state and local officials to break ground on its $300 million automotive aluminum sheet manufacturing facility in Guthrie, Kentucky.
Representatives from Novelis were joined by Senator Rand Paul, Congressman James Comer, Governor Matt Bevin and Senator Mitch McConnell’s staff to recognize the investment of a 400,000 sq.ft. facility that will create approximately 125 jobs and produce annual nameplate capacity of 200,000 metric tons. Novelis will begin producing automotive aluminum at the site in 2020.
“The increased adoption of aluminum in cars, trucks and SUVs, coupled with more automotive manufacturing plants in the southeast makes Guthrie a strategic location to serve our customers,” said Steve Fisher, president and chief executive officer, Novelis Inc.
The significant positive impact of tax reform in the U.S. reinforces Novelis’ decision to expand at this time. A favorable economic environment has enabled Novelis to recently finalize key contracts totaling approximately $60 million for engineering plans, site preparation and state-of-the-art equipment for the greenfield facility. The facility will include heat treatment and pre-treatment lines, which prepare aluminum for use in vehicle parts such as body-in-white, hoods, doors, lift gates and fenders.
Paul Banks, a 25 year veteran of the aluminum rolling industry, will oversee the project as plant manager, having previously served as unit manager at Logan Aluminum, a Novelis joint venture in nearby Russellville, Kentucky.
Novelis employs 1,260 people in the state, accounting for more than $146 million in wages and benefits each year. In addition to Logan Aluminum, Novelis also operates an aluminum beverage can recycling plant in Berea, Kentucky.
According to Ducker Worldwide, automakers are expected to increase the adoption of high-strength, lightweight aluminum in new cars and trucks over the next decade. This investment will grow Novelis’ leadership position as the first choice for automotive aluminum sheet and deliver consistent quality products to automakers as they turn to aluminum for the benefits they see in vehicle performance, safety as well as the ability to extend electric battery range.
The company continues to hire for key roles at the new facility to ensure an efficient and safe production ramp-up.
Published in the July 2018 Edition
