Kentucky Aluminum Producer to Expand Smelting and Ingot-Making Capacity

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Henderson, western Kentucky-based Audubon Metals LLC has committed multi-million dollar investment to expand capacities at its aluminum plant. The announcement made by Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin states that the $8.3 million investment will add new smelting and ingot-making facilities at the plant. The expansion works are expected to create 39 full-time jobs.

According to Gov Benin, Audubon Metals LLC will add nearly 21,000 square feet to its facility, thereby making the total facility to more than 333,000 square feet. It will install a new reverbatory furnace for aluminum smelting, the fifth one at the facility. Further, the investment will be utilized to extend its ingot-casting line and expand its production storage facility. In addition, the company will build a new warehouse.

Since its inception of operations in 1996, the company has periodically carried out several enhancement operations to support its efforts to gain more market share. The operations had begun with a single reverbatory furnace in 1996. Later, it added three more furnaces to expand its capacity. Currently, the company employs 270 and produces more than 30 million pounds every month. Audubon Metals President and CEO Jim Butkus noted that the current expansion drive will contribute to diversify its product mix and enable the company to enter into new markets. Further, he hoped that the company will be able to maintain its highest level of service to its customers and community.

Governor Bevin stated that Audubon Metals LLC has been a key employer and community partner in Henderson County for more than two decades. The various products manufactured by the company are of great significance to many of Kentucky’s manufacturing operations including automotive and appliance industry. The company’s latest investment to bring about more high-paid jobs in the region would immensely benefit the Henderson economy and its communities, Bevin added.

The company has already received preliminary approval from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) for tax incentives up to $1.01 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. In addition, it has also been granted tax incentives of up to $90,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. It is also likely to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives from the Kentucky Skills Network.