Novelis To Build Aluminum Recycling And Rolling Plant In Bay Minette

BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Sustainable aluminum rolling and recycling provider Novelis Inc. has announced an investment of $2.5 billion to build a new low-carbon recycling and rolling plant in Bay Minette. More than half of the capacity of the new facility will be used to serve growing demand for aluminum beverage can sheet metal in North America. The company says the advanced facility will be the first fully integrated aluminum mill built in the U.S. in 40 years. It is expected to create up to 1,000 careers in modern manufacturing. It will aim to be net carbon neutral for Scopes 1 and 2, be powered primarily by renewable energy, use recycled water and be considered “zero-waste.” Its transportation will rely on the railroad, which can reduce logistics-related carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to road transport. The plant will make significant use of advanced automation and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality and robotics. In addition to the beverage can market, the facility will also serve the automotive market, in which aluminum is the fastest-growing material. Site work is underway now, and the company expects to begin commissioning in mid-2025.