Rio Tinto Alcan is investing $37 million in its Sebree, Kentucky, aluminum smelting facility. The company will also retain its nearly 500 employees there. Rio Tinto will install a new bake furnace that will keep it at current capacity for up to 20 years.

"The new bake furnace is important for the future of our plant and a safer operation," said Stephane Leblanc, Sebree's plant manager. "Without it we would have to shut down the plant or buy anodes on the market. The investment will open the door to move forward with other projects that will make the plant more sustainable for the coming years."

Last year, Governor Steve Beshear approved state tax incentives for Rio Tinto to invest in the Sebree plant. The facility is one of few remaining aluminum smelters in the United States.