Kentucky Aluminum Processor marks the groundbreaking ceremony of its $40 million recycling unit

Kentucky Aluminum Processors marked the groundbreaking ceremony of its much-awaited $40 million aluminium processing facility in Russellville. The new facility is expected to create 75 high-quality jobs in the region. Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement on Tuesday, September 10.

The new facility will be functioning as an aluminium recycling plant and is a joint venture between Tri-Arrows Aluminum (TAA) and Tennessee Aluminum Processors (TAP). It will process dross and scrap material from TAA's casting centre at Logan Aluminum, producing molten aluminium and sows. These products will be returned to TAA's recycling and casting facilities at Logan Aluminum or other customer locations. The facility, situated on 37 acres, will accommodate essential equipment, storage, transportation, and parking needs.

"Each company that chooses to locate a new project here in the commonwealth brings with them quality jobs and opportunities for Kentuckians. Our manufacturing industry is one of the largest sectors in the state and continues to grow because of quality companies like Kentucky Aluminum Processors choosing and trusting what we have to offer. I want to thank their company leadership in this joint venture opportunity and look forward to their success in Logan County," said Gov. Beshear.

In March 2023, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its annual Governor's Cup rankings. The following month, the state was ranked second in the South Central region and placed in the top 10 nationally in the 2024 Prosperity Cup, which highlights state-level economic development agencies' success in securing capital investment projects.

About the joint venture companies

Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Tri-Arrows Aluminum is a leading supplier of rolled aluminium sheets in North America, specialising in the beverage can and automotive sheet markets. The company is part of a joint venture that owns the Logan Aluminum manufacturing facility in Russellville, Kentucky, granting TAA access to top-tier production facilities, market networks, and R&D capabilities.

"We are excited to expand our aluminum recycling capabilities with a new, state-of-the-art facility located centrally in a region experiencing tremendous growth in the aluminium sector. We have been very impressed by the accommodating and efficient pro-business atmosphere encountered while working on this project with representatives of Russellville, Logan County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky," added Jared Sweeney, TAP CEO.

Founded in 1981, Tennessee Aluminum Processors (TAP) offers a range of secondary aluminium recycling services for the transportation, packaging, construction, and aerospace sectors. As a toll converter of aluminium scrap and dross, TAP transforms aluminium into a recycled secondary ingot, ensuring optimal recovery and consistent quality.

"Tri-Arrows Aluminum is honored to continue its long-standing relationship with the Russellville and Logan County community," said TAA President and CEO Henry Gordinier. "We are excited to share in this project with Tennessee Aluminum Processors. The new facility's proximity to Logan Aluminum was a key factor in determining site location."

Governor Beshear's unwavering commitment

Since the start of his administration, Governor Beshear has announced over 1,000 private-sector projects involving new locations and expansions, totalling more than $32 billion in investments and creating around 55,000 jobs. This represents the highest investment figure achieved by any governor in the history of the commonwealth. Alongside this significant job creation, wages across the state have risen, with the average incentivised hourly wage exceeding $26 for the first time in both 2022 and 2023.

Logan County Judge/Executive Phil Baker said, "Logan County is thrilled to welcome Kentucky Aluminum Processors. Their selection of our community for this project is outstanding news for our citizens. The aluminum industry is thriving, and we are happy to be a part of it!"

Governor Beshear has overseen some of the largest economic development projects in Kentucky's history, establishing the state as the leading hub for electric vehicle battery production in the U.S. Key projects include Ford Motor Co. and SK On's $5.8 billion BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County, which will create 5,000 jobs; AESC's $2 billion gigafactory in Warren County, adding 2,000 jobs; Toyota's $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America's $53 million investment in Taylor County.

Under his administration, Kentucky achieved the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund in state history, as well as the highest number of jobs filled ever recorded. The state also set a record of historically low unemployment rates for the longest period. Additionally, Kentucky saw credit rating upgrades from Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody's Investors Service revised the state's credit outlook from stable to positive.

Russellville Mayor Mark Stratton expressed his appreciation for Kentucky Aluminum Processors choosing to locate their new facility in Russellville, “On behalf of the city of Russellville, we are blessed that Kentucky Aluminum Processors has chosen to invest here in our community. Their decision to establish operations and create new job opportunities in Russellville and Logan County is deeply valued and appreciated.”