New Braidy aluminium mill in Kentucky expected to ease aluminium deficit

The current challenge that the auto industry is facing is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Braidy Industries LLC Craig Bouchard’s opportunity of forming aluminium sheet products from his company's new rolling mill in Ashland, Kentucky, through 2026. The project was already at 140 per cent of output that's expected when the $1.6 billion facility opens in 2020.

But in the meanwhile, President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on imported aluminium that resulted in purchasers’ subscription level standing at 200 per cent at the present, said Bouchard. However, he expressed his positive outlook, saying this first ever aluminium-rolling mill designed specifically for the auto industry would be beneficial, especially when there’s already a shortage of aluminium in North America because of OEMs’ constant insistence for lightweight vehicles. It will also be reportedly the first new aluminium mill in the United States in three decades.

Braidy would also present a “dual sale opportunity” to the automakers, as Bouchard was putting together the Ashland complex. Braidy also acquired Veloxint, an MIT-incubated company that males ultra-high-strength alloys.

Bouchard focused on eastern Kentucky because Governor Matt Bevin was opening the state’s coffer to offer generous financial incentives to Braidy. During the state legislature’s final session of 2017, lawmakers approved US$15 million incentive package for Braidy.

"The governor asked me to go to Ashland and look for myself," Bouchard said. Now, Kentucky is Braidy's second-largest shareholder.