Alcoa Breaks Ground on Expansion at Ohio Facility

Alcoa has broken ground on a $21 million expansion at its Barberton, Ohio facility. The expansion is part of the company’s B&C Research Division, which will research advanced recycling and casting processes that the company says will reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

B&C Research is a part of Alcoa’s Wheel and Transportation Products business.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, said, “Alcoa is a company with a proud history in Northeast Ohio, and its expansion in Barberton is further proof that manufacturing is on the rebound in Ohio and across the country. Ohio is the right place for Barberton’s expansion because of our state’s manufacturing know-how and our skilled workforce committed to making quality products. This multi-million dollar investment will help create and protect critical jobs in Summit County. I’m also glad to see Alcoa help expand sustainable manufacturing—a 21st-century industry with a high potential for growth—in our state.”

When the expansion is complete, the35,000-square-foot facility will use new technology to produce aluminum billet from remelted scrap aluminum. The billet will be used to produce lightweight wheels.

The expansion is scheduled to be completed the second half of 2012.