Globe Metallurgical Inc., a subsidiary of Ferroglobe, a leading producer of silicon metal and specialty alloys, plans to restart an idled silicon metal facility in Selma, Alabama. The project is expected to create 100 jobs.

GMI’s two-furnace operation can produce up to 22,000 tons of silicon metal a year and support many industries including solar, semiconductors, automotive, consumer products, construction, and energy. The facility will conduct business with 150 local suppliers.

“The restart of the Selma facility has been a part of our multi-year strategy,” Ferroglobe CEO Marco Levi said. “We thank the many government officials who supported this effort and look forward to welcoming back the workforce.”

The project is moving forward after negotiations to secure state and local incentives. In addition, an allocation from the New Markets Tax Credit Program is also being pursued to enable an expansion of planned capabilities and upgrade of equipment, making the Alabama plant more efficient and competitive in the global market.

“The decision by Ferroglobe and Globe Metallurgical to resume production at the Selma plant will provide a significant economic boost to the Dallas County region and good job opportunities for the hard-working citizens there,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce.

The facility on Old Montgomery Highway was shuttered in 2018 due to low prices caused by a flood of imported silicon metal. London-based Ferroglobe and GMI announced in September 2020 that a restart of the facility was being considered thanks to rising prices, increased demand for silicon metal and worries about foreign dependency for key materials.