MetalX LLC, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has unveiled ambitious plans for a cutting-edge aluminium recycling campus in Defiance, Ohio, spanning 190 acres. This innovative venture encompasses a state-of-the-art aluminium slab manufacturing plant, a sophisticated scrap shredding and advanced sortation facility, and a dedicated logistics hub.
The company, in collaboration with Manna Capital Partners from Louisville, Kentucky, is set to invest over $200 million in a greenfield aluminium rolling slab facility. The chosen site, located in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, or southern Michigan, is part of MetalX's commitment to sustainable practices in the aluminium industry.
Configurations and operational capacity of the emerging plant
According to JobsOhio, the total investment is projected to reach $253 million, with the creation of 180 jobs at the site. The slab casting facility is expected to initially produce 100,000 to 120,000 metric tonnes annually, with the capability to expand to 220 million pounds per year of ultra-low carbon aluminium rolling slab. This prioritises alloys tailored for the beverage, packaging, and automotive industries, showcasing a commitment to high recycled content.
The MetalX Indiana extension aims to process up to 300 million pounds of scrap material annually through improved separation, shredding, and processing techniques. Approximately 25 per cent of the output will be directed to the slab facility, with the remainder serving other aluminium consumers. The anticipated timeline for both facilities to be fully operational is the first half of 2027.
The CEO of MetalX, Danny Rifkin, in his own words and other important associates
"This is an outstanding site and met all key criteria for the project, including proximity to sources of scrap supply; ample power, gas, water and other utilities; main-line rail service; access to major highways; and, most importantly, a solid workforce environment."
"We are excited to expand into Ohio and are looking forward to a continued partnership with the economic development groups who helped us identify and select this site and have provided invaluable guidance through the entire process. They have all been great to work with," Rifkin announced.
The ED of Defiance County Economic Development, Erika Willitzer, implied: "We know this new investment is going to have a transformative impact on our local families and northwest Ohio for generations to come. We are ecstatic MetalX chose Defiance County."
The CEO and President of JobsOhio, J.P. Nauseef, exclaimed: "MetalX had many options when choosing where to build its newest facility and chose Ohio. The investment will come on a readily developable site with critical access to rail that will bring 180 new jobs to Defiance County."
Company overview and environmental motto
In the context of global Net Zero standards advocating for low-carbon products, MetalX's move aligns with the imperative to promote sustainability in the aluminium industry. Their commitment to using more recycled materials establishes a responsible manufacturing model that addresses environmental concerns associated with traditional production processes.
MetalX CEO Danny Rifkin expressed enthusiasm about the chosen site, emphasising key criteria such as proximity to scrap sources, utility availability, and a robust workforce environment. If you wish to learn more about sustainable practices in the international aluminium sector, please have a look at AL Circle's special report, Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Industry.
In conclusion, MetalX's investment marks a transformative moment for Defiance County and the aluminium industry at large. This latest aluminium recycling and aluminium slab manufacturing unit represents a significant stride towards sustainable practices, contributing to the broader goal of a greener, low-carbon future.
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