The company that literally put Alcoa, Tennessee, on the map as a major aluminum manufacturer 120 years ago is moving forward with the final part of a previously announced $100 million expansion in East Tennessee.
Arconic is expanding its Alcoa operations with the addition of packaging operations that will complete its expansion plans originally announced in 2019 before the coronavirus pandemic. The overall project is adding about 200 more jobs.
"This expansion enables Arconic to help meet the strong customer demand for industrial products and can sheet," Nandu Srinivasan, president of Arconic Global Rolled Products, North America, said in a statement Friday. "As consumers are moving away from plastics for more sustainable products, infinitely recyclable aluminum is the perfect solution."
Arconic is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extruded products for the ground transportation, aerospace, packaging and industrial markets. The company is also a key supplier to the building and construction market, providing architects and builders with innovative products and systems to create high-performing buildings.
Originally founded as Alcoa, the company has origins going back more than 120 years. Alcoa supplied aluminum for many notable moments in American history, including providing aluminum parts for the Wright Brothers' airplane in Kitty Hawk, NC, paving the way for modern aerospace.
"Arconic is a leading employer in Blount County with a storied history in the American aluminum manufacturing sector," Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said" I'm grateful to Arconic for creating 200 new jobs and being a valued member of the business community in Blount County for over 100 years."
- Compiled by Dave Flessner