Kentucky's aluminum production capacity is among the higest in the nation with 190 aluminum related facilities employing more than 20,000, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Econonic Development.  The Bluegrass boats two aluminum smelters, Kentucky Smelting Technology in Paris and Century Aluminum in Hawesville in addition to downstream processors, extruders, diecasters, and fabrication facilities. Since 2014, 92 new aluminum expansion projects have been announced, with 23 coming in 2017 alone. The projects represent a $2.9 billion in investment over four years and together more than 2,800 full-time jobs.

New Plant Announcements:

2017 (Northeast Kentucky) Braidy Industries - $1.4 billion for technologically-advanced aluminum rolling mill

2018  (Guthrie, Ky.) Novelis Inc. - $300 million automotive aluminum sheet manufacturing facility to produce 200,000 tons for vehicles

Aluminum Plant Expansions in 2017/2018

2017 – (Lewisport, Ky.) Aleris Corp. - $400 million expansion to aluminum mill to produce automotive-grade sheet

2017 –  (Henderson, Ky.) Audobon Metals LLC. - $8.3 million to expand ingot plant creating 39 jobs

2017 – (Bowling Green, Ky.) Kobe Aluminum Automotive Parts - $51 million expansion and 129 new jobs

2017 – (Bardstown, Ky.) Tower Automotive Inc. - $29 million for expanded stamping and welding facility, 25 new jobs

2017 – (Paducah, Ky.) UAJC Automotive Whitehall Industries - $3.3 million aluminum parts expansion, creating 50 jobs

2017 – (Russellville, Ky.) Tri-Arrows Aluminum - $125 million to add cold-rolling line at Logan Aluminum Plant. The expansion will create 60 fulltime jobs.

2017 – (Louisville, Ky.) Ford Truck Plant - $900 million investment to support production of 2018 alumium-alloy bodied Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition 

       2017 – (Berea, Ky.) Novelis - $2.35 million investment to increase ingot production   capacity for beverage cans