A world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, Novelis plans to build a new low-carbon recycling and rolling plant at the 3,000-acre South Alabama Mega Site in Bay Minette, Alabama. The $2.5 billion project is expected to create 1,000 jobs in Baldwin County.

The facility, the first fully integrated aluminum mill built in the U.S. in 40 years, will leverage the company’s long-term relationships with leading beverage, packaging and automotive brands seeking sustainable aluminum solutions, according to company officials. Novelis expects to begin commissioning the site in mid-2025.

The plant will also serve the automotive market, where aluminum is the fastest growing material, as automakers make plans to achieve their sustainability goals.

“Through this investment, we are making a demonstrative commitment to continue to grow alongside our customers and meet their needs for low-carbon, highly sustainable aluminum solutions,” said Steve Fisher, president and CEO of Novelis. “In addition, we are well positioned to efficiently expand capacity at this facility in the future, above the 600kt announced today, to capture ongoing strong demand. Our readiness to invest to serve growing markets is a perfect example of how we are delivering on our company purpose of shaping a sustainable world together,” he added.

The facility will be powered with renewable energy, use recycled water and be a zero-waste facility. The company is committed to being a carbon-neutral company by 2050 and plans to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% by 2026.

“With this massive investment and large-scale hiring plans, Novelis will launch a high-tech aluminum mill that will generate significant economic impacts throughout the region for generations,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “Novelis is a world-class company, and we know that it has selected a prime location in ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ and specifically Baldwin County as home for its growth plans.”

Novelis serves customers from a wide variety of industries including beverage packaging, automotive, building and construction, aerospace and consumer electronics. The Baldwin County facility will primarily serve the growing beverage can market.

“Novelis’ decision to locate the nation’s most technologically advanced aluminum mill in Baldwin County is a powerful testament to both the state’s attractive business climate and to the capabilities of our talented manufacturing workforce,” said Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “The magnitude of this project makes it a game-changing development for Alabama’s industrial sector and a jobs engine for the region.”

Novelis also announced plans to develop an Advanced Manufacturing and Leadership Center of Excellence in Daphne, Alabama, where best-in-class training will be provided to industry leaders across the company’s footprint. The center will be located at the Daphne Innovation + Science Complex and will help push Baldwin County to the forefront of innovation in workforce training and leadership in the metals industry.

“Baldwin County’s accelerated growth and forward-thinking leadership has made it possible to attract Novelis, a world-class company, to our community,” added Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. “The economic and generational impact this investment will have on Baldwin County will help further diversify and grow our economy for years to come.”