Governor Steve Beshear joined community leaders and officials from MHM Metals to announce the company has chosen to locate its new manufacturing operation in Russellville. The company, which will do business under the name Alreco plans to purchase the former ITW building which will result in 30 new jobs and an anticipated USD 25 million investment in the Commonwealth.
Mr Beshear said that “The aluminum industry in Kentucky is a critical piece of the industrial landscape, employing more than 13,000 Kentuckians. Global companies such as MHM Metals continue to find the Commonwealth to be the ideal place to do business and this more than USD 25 million investment is further proof of our success. We welcome MHM Metals’ new manufacturing facility and the 30 jobs it will create.”
Australian based MHM Metals processes aluminum salt cake and aluminum black dross which are by products of the secondary aluminum industry. More than 2 billion pounds of these products is produced within the US each year, largely disposed of in landfills. MHM Metals’ exclusive technology allows the company to produce its product through an environmentally sound process that eliminates any materials going to a landfill. The new plant is expected to be operational by the Q1 of 2013.
Mr Ben Mead director of MHM Metals Limited said that “Alreco has assessed several sites throughout the US and chose Russellville, Kentucky as the preferred location for a leading-edge facility that will process by products from aluminum recycling that previously had to be disposed in landfills. After proving the technology in Australia this will be the first US plant that efficiently recovers all the component commodities for re use, with nothing going to landfill. This has substantial benefits for the aluminum industry, the environment and will generate direct and indirect jobs.”
Kentucky is home to more than 120 aluminum related facilities in all, including, Logan Aluminum in Russellville, Aleris Rolled Products in Lewisport, Gibbs Die Casting Corporation in Henderson, Century Aluminum of Kentucky in Hawesville, Aisin Automotive Casting in London, Cardinal Aluminum Company in Louisville and many more. To encourage the MHM Metals to locate its facility in Russellville, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to USD 825,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The performance based incentive allows the company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
Mr Sen Joey Pendleton of Hopkinsville said that “MHM Metals is a welcome addition to the business landscape in Logan County. These 30 new jobs will provide a boost to the local economy and new opportunities for the workforce. Thank you to Gov Beshear on his efforts to provide jobs and opportunities for the citizens of Logan County.”
Mr Martha Jane King of Lewisburg said that “I am proud to see MHM Metals become part of our Logan County business community. Their investment in recyclable aluminum technology will only add to the prominent position Logan County plays in the aluminum industry. Congratulations to MHM Metals, and our local and state officials for their teamwork to help bring new business and jobs to our county.”
Russellville Mayor Mr Mark Stratton said that “The city of Russellville and its citizens are delighted that MHM Metals has chosen Russellville for the location of their industrial facility. It is a privilege for our city to be the selection site for this economic growth and opportunity.”
Mr Logan Chick Logan County Judge-Executive said that “This is an exciting time for Russellville and Logan County. We are pleased to hear that MHM Metals chose Logan County to locate one of their manufacturing plants. We feel MHM Metals will be a natural fit and asset to our community. The Logan County Economic Development team along with the Industrial Development Authority has work diligently, and now this is a time of celebration. Welcome to Logan County, MHM Metals.”
