Novelis, the maker of rolled aluminum found inside many consumer cars and trucks, officially broke ground Monday at their new facility in Guthrie. The approximately $300 million 400,000-square-foot facility is expected to create about 125 jobs after its anticipated opening in 2020.
Marco Palmieri, Senior Vice President and President of Novelis North America, says the company had to be sure there was a business case for expansion.
The location was also ideal, he adds, as it is only 30 minutes from the Logan Aluminum facility that is to supply the one in Guthrie with aluminum coils to be made into auto parts such as hoods, doors, gates, and fenders. It is also close to many of the company’s auto manufacturing customers.
Paul Banks has been named as the new plant’s manager. Banks says the company’s purpose is what will distinguish it from its competition beyond the bottom line.
Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the Aluminum Association, says the industry supports more than 44,000 direct and indirect jobs and $12.2 billion in economic output in the state.
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Governor Matt Bevin says the location came down to Kentucky and one other state, although he did not divulge which state that was. He also credits newly passed Right to Work legislation with helping seal the deal.
Congressman James Comer, who ran partially on the issue of rural economic development, spoke on the income opportunities the plant might bring.
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