Gov. Bevin: Opening of Constellium-UACJ Aluminum Auto-Body-Sheet Plant in Bowling Green Helps Industry Prep for Future

NEWS RELEASE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2016) – Gov. Matt Bevin today joined local officials and company executives to celebrate Constellium-UACJ opening its $150 million aluminum auto-body sheeting plant in Warren County with 65 employees, a number expected to grow along with the facility.

Gov. Bevin said the Bowling Green facility exemplifies Kentucky’s ability to attract manufacturers and provide for the needs of tomorrow’s automotive industry.

“Kentucky is committed to remaining ahead of the curve as the automotive industry evolves,” he said. “Constellium-UACJ’s commitment to supplying aluminum sheeting for lighter-weight vehicles stands as a great example of how the Commonwealth’s auto industry is moving forward. Congratulations to South Central Kentucky and Constellium-UACJ for establishing what promises to be a very rewarding partnership.”

The plant will produce finished aluminum body sheets and distribute them to the country’s major automotive manufacturers. Construction of the 225,000-square-foot facility began in summer 2014. The building, located in the the Kentucky Transpark, is designed to allow for future expansion. 

The state in 2014 preliminarily approved a $4.5 million tax incentive agreement for the company based in part on creation of up to 80 full-time jobs across a decade. South Central Kentucky’s skilled workforce and proximity to automakers across the Midwest and South made Warren County a natural fit for the project.

Constellium-UACJ is a joint venture between Constellium and UACJ, two established global aluminum industry players with roots in Europe and Japan. Both will supply aluminum coils that will be treated and processed at the Bowling Green facility.

“We are extremely proud to be opening our first North American automotive body sheet finishing line today, at a time when the aluminum automotive market in the U.S. is extremely promising,” said Simon Laddychuk, CEO of the joint venture. “This is a special facility in a special place and I would like to thank our owners, Constellium and UACJ, the state of Kentucky and Bowling Green for helping to make this possible and welcoming us so warmly.”

Tri-Arrows Aluminum will also supply cold rolled aluminum coils to the new facility. Tri-Arrows Aluminum, headquartered in Louisville, is a subsidiary of UACJ. The company manufactures base aluminum coils at its joint-venture operating mill at Logan Aluminum in Russellville.

Constellium is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value-added aluminum products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. The company operates 22 manufacturing sites worldwide and has corporate offices in New York, Paris and Zurich, Switzerland. It employs over 10,000 people worldwide.

UACJ is an aluminum industry leader established in 2013 from a merger of Furukawa-Sky Aluminum – founded in 1910 – and Sumitomo Light Metal Industries – founded in 1897. Both companies have an extensive history of aluminum production in Japan. UACJ has more than 70 group companies throughout the world and boasts the world’s third largest aluminum production capacity.

Sen. Mike Wilson, of Bowling Green, said this project has been greatly awaited within the community.

“I am excited to see this much-anticipated project by Constellium-UACJ completed here in Warren County,” Sen. Wilson said. “I know the Bowling Green/Warren County area – a top producer in the auto industry – will serve this company well, and I thank them for their investment in our community and look forward to their success.”

Rep. Jody Richards, of Bowling Green, said the company will be a great for in a community known for its strong workforce. 

“I’m excited for the grand opening of Constellium-UACJ,” he said. “Our history of producing a highly skilled workforce in the automotive industry will enable growth that will make Constellium-UACJ highly successful. This partnership will not only have a significant economic impact on beautiful Bowling Green, but many of our surrounding counties as well. Our central location for automotive production makes logistic sense for many companies, but our hard-working, dedicated labor force has put us on the map. I look forward to a long and prosperous relationship between Constellium-UACJ and the Bowling Green community.”

Rep. Jim DeCesare, of Bowling Green, shared his excitement for the future prospects of the company.

“I am thrilled that Constellium-UACJ Aluminum has chosen to invest in our community,” Rep. DeCesare said. “Our prime central location, along with our unique and specialized workforce, makes Bowling Green an excellent home that I know Constellium-UACJ will partner well with. Bowling Green continues to see positive economic growth, and I am excited to see what we can all accomplish together through this new investment.”

Bowling Green Mayor Bruce Wilkerson said the new joint venture couldn’t have selected a better home.

“We are excited to celebrate the grand opening of Constellium-UACJ’s Bowling Green facility,” Mayor Wilkerson said. “It’s our privilege to welcome them to our community and we look forward to their success in South Central Kentucky.”

Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon said the company and its new facility will strengthen all of Kentucky’s automotive industry.

“Constellium-UACJ is a huge investment for not only Warren County and South Central Kentucky, but for the entire state,” he said. “Our region’s strong automotive industry continues to gain momentum and will continue to do so with the success of companies like Constellium-UACJ.”

To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in 2014 preliminarily approved the company through the Kentucky Business Investment program for tax incentives up to $4.5 million based on creation of up to 80 full-time jobs. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.  

Additionally, KEDFA approved Constellium-UACJ for up to $1.5 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

Constellium-UACJ also can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies are eligible to receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. Last year, the Kentucky Skills Network trained more than 84,000 employees from more than 5,600 Kentucky companies.

For more information on Constellium, visit www.constellium.com. For more information on UACJ, visit www.UACJ.co.jp/english/.

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