Kentucky Offers Incentive Package for Aluminum Firm

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has announced the approval of up to $15 million in state tax incentives for Rio Tinto Alcan, Montreal, to encourage the company to make long-term investments in its Sebree, Ky., facility in order to remain sustainable and globally competitive.

In making the announcement late last week, Gov. Beshear was joined by officials from Rio Tinto Alcan, as well as representatives of the Kentucky Aluminum Network, a not-for-profit membership organization of Kentucky aluminum producers.

“The aluminum industry in Kentucky is a critical piece of the industrial landscape,” says Gov. Beshear. “Stabilizing our existing industries and creating opportunities for growth and expansion in aluminum are key to Kentucky’s short and long-term economic future.”

Rio Tinto Alcan is evaluating the installation of equipment to increase the potline amperage, which would allow the plant to be more efficient in aluminum production. Additionally, the plant is considering the construction of a new furnace that would be more environmentally friendly and efficient in baking anodes.

“The state incentive package is another important step in our effort to acquire corporate approval for these two projects,” says Stephane Leblanc, plant manager of Rio Tinto Alcan. “The improvements are important components for the longevity of the Sebree operation in western Kentucky.”

A profile of Kentucky’s aluminum industry is available on the Cabinet for Economic Development’s website at http://thinkkentucky.com/kyedc/pdfs/Aluminum_Report.pdf.