The new plant is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs and support the growing demand for aluminium beverage packaging and automotive solutions
Novelis starts construction on new recycling and rolling plant in Bay Minette, Alabama. (Credit: Novelis Inc.)
US-based sustainable aluminium solutions provider Novelis has started construction on its new $2.5bn recycling and rolling plant in Bay Minette, Alabama.
The new plant is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs and support the growing demand for aluminium beverage packaging and automotive solutions.
Novelis said the advanced facility will initially produce 600 kilo-tonnes of finished aluminium products capacity per year targeted at the beverage container industry and has flexibility for automobile production.
When fully operational, the new low-carbon operation will also include a new beverage can recycling facility, boosting the company’s annual recycling capacity by 15 billion cans.
Novelis president and CEO Steve Fisher said: “Through this investment, we want to demonstrate the strength of our growing customer partnerships, the commitment we have to sustainably grow our business, and the innovative, forward-thinking approach we are taking to modern manufacturing.
“We are especially proud to celebrate our groundbreaking of this state-of-the-art facility on National Manufacturing Day, which highlights the exciting career opportunities available in our industry.”
Expected to be operational by the middle of 2025, site activities such as excavation, piling, and earthmoving are under progress.
Novelis said two new roads will be built on the site over the following three months to upgrade the utility infrastructure required to start building construction.
The firm has hired a reputable engineering firm to handle site planning, engineering, and construction, an Alabama-based company to handle earthworks, and several manufacturing equipment makers.
Novelis North America executive vice president and president Tom Boney said: “Today marks an important milestone for our Novelis team as we ramp up construction and grow our team.
“We seek to become an integral part of this community, contributing to the local economy and advancing residents’ quality of life every step of the way.
“We are grateful for the support we have received from the state, Baldwin County, Bay Minette and other partners as we build our home here in Alabama.”
The company also unveiled its plans to invest $150,000 over the following six months in non-profits in south Alabama during the groundbreaking ceremony.