Wieland begins project to modernize Illinois facility

Wieland, a leading global supplier of copper and copper alloy products, has broken ground on a $500 million modernization project at its East Alton, Illinois, rolling mill that will expand the facility's capabilities, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver higher quality and reliability standards, according to the company.

Wieland acquired the integrated brass mill in East Alton in 2019 when it purchased Global Brass and Copper Holdings Inc. (GBC), Schaumburg, Illinois. GBC produced sheet, strip, foil, rod, tube and fabricated metal components that were sold under the Olin Brass, Chase Brass and A.J. Oster brand names.

Wieland's modernization plans include adding a hot rolling mill that will enable the company to increase and improve production of essential copper and copper alloy components, the company says. These components are crucial for domestic manufacturers covering a broad variety of industries, such as automotive, defense and energy infrastructure. “These enhancements will expand Wieland's future capacity and strengthen its position as a reliable, sustainable and high-quality domestic supplier to key U.S. manufacturing industries and customers,” Wieland says in a news release announcing the investment.

"This investment positions Wieland as the undisputed leader in North American rolled products and underscores our commitment to the revitalization of American manufacturing," says Erwin Mayr, CEO of the Wieland Group, which is headquartered in Ulm, Germany.

“Wieland has become an integral part of the East Alton community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate their further investments in Illinois,” Gov. JB Pritzker says. “This more-efficient and modern facility will be a beacon of the power of private-public partnership, innovation and understanding of the needs of the changing 21st century economy.”

Greg Keown, president of Wieland’s Business Unit Rolling & Recycling, says he is grateful for the efforts of Pritzker, Deputy Gov. Andy Manar, Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Nikki Budzinski, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Mayor Darren Carlton and Madison County that have helped to bring the project to fruition.

Wieland says the project is expected to be completed by mid-2028.

The company has a global network of more than 80 production sites, service and trading companies, offering a broad product, technology and service portfolio. From prototype to series production, Wieland develops solutions for automotive, aerospace, electronics, refrigeration, air conditioning and many other industries using high-performance copper materials.