Novelis, a US-based aluminum solutions provider, has started construction on a $365m aluminum recycling center in Guthrie, Kentucky to cater to the automotive sector in North America.

The company, which is a subsidiary of India-based Hindalco Industries, said that the Guthrie aluminum recycling plant will have an annual casting capacity of 240 kt of sheet ingot.

To be located near Novelis’ existing automotive finishing plant, the new facility is anticipated to cut down its carbon emissions by over a million tons each year.

The aluminum solutions provider said that its Guthrie automotive finishing facility, which presently has a workforce of 150 people, is expected to have 190 employees over the next couple of years.

Commenting on the aluminum recycling center in Guthrie, Tom Boney — Executive Vice President and President of Novelis North America said: “This groundbreaking marks a major milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainability and recycling, and also supports our automotive customers’ carbon reduction targets.

“The Commonwealth of Kentucky continues to be a great partner to Novelis. We are proud to build on the rich 40-year history of our aluminum recycling operations in Kentucky, and look forward to deepening our relationships to ensure our facility has a lasting, beneficial impact in the region.”

The new Guthrie aluminum recycling plant is targeted to begin operations in 2024. It will be equipped with advanced shredding and sorting technology and will adopt energy-efficient innovations to support Novelis’ sustainability goal to bring down energy intensity by 10% by 2026 and become net carbon neutral by 2050 or earlier.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, commenting on the aluminum recycling center in Guthrie, said: “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to take part in this ground-breaking ceremony today for a project that will create 140 quality jobs for Kentucky residents.

“Novelis has seen rapid growth in our state, and this new recycling center in Todd County emphasizes the company’s commitment to sustainability and job creation in the commonwealth. I want to thank the leaders at Novelis for this latest long-term commitment in our incredible workforce.”

  Aluminum, aluminum recycling, Andy Beshear, Hindalco Industries, Kentucky, Novelis, Tom Boney, USA