Aleris invests in Kentucky aluminum plant

Aleris, headquarterd in Cleveland, has announced plans to invest $350 million to upgrade the capabilities of its aluminum rolling mill in Lewisport, Kentucky. Aleris says the investment will position it to meet anticipated growth in North American automotive industry demand as that sector pursues broader aluminum use for the production of lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“We have partnered with customers in the premium automotive segment from our Duffel, Belgium, facility for years to develop and produce some of the most technically advanced lightweight aluminum solutions available today,” says Steve Demetriou, Aleris chairman and CEO. “We are excited to bring these capabilities to our Lewisport facility to serve automotive customers in North America as they shift toward significantly greater aluminum use.”

The company says it expects to begin construction on the project in the fall of 2014, with a goal of shipping automotive body sheet to customers by early 2017. Plans call for the new facility to produce 480 million pounds of aluminum auto body sheet annually.

Aleris’ investment will include the addition of heat treatment and finishing capabilities, including a wide cold mill, two continuous annealing lines and an automotive innovation center, Aleris says.

“The key to our success in Europe has been our strong partnership with customers on research and development,” Demetriou says. “We will take a similar approach with our customers in North America, ensuring they have the aluminum innovation that meets their specific needs.”

Aleris has 11 rolled aluminum products facilities in North America, the majority of which serve building and construction, truck-trailer and metal distribution customers.

Upon completion of the upgrade, Lewisport will be the company’s first site in North America that is equipped with aluminum auto body sheet finishing capabilities.