Novelis bags $5 million grant to restructure its South Alabama aluminium plant

Novelis has been allotted a sum of $5 million by the Alabama Industrial Access Road and Bridge Corporation under ALDOT's administration for revamping the South Alabama Megasite. Novelis' aluminium plant in the area will undergo a proper renovation with the funding raised.

The grant will fund crucial upgrades to Highway 287, such as resurfacing, widening, and drainage enhancements, as well as the construction of an industrial access road on-site, which is necessary to accommodate the anticipated increase in traffic flow. It's wonderful to see Baldwin County's efforts rewarded with this grant, and we look forward to continued progress and growth at the South Alabama Megasite.

Baldwin County Commissioner James E. Ball commented: "This grant award from the Industrial Access Road and Bridge Corporation will aid the Baldwin County Commission in delivering critical transportation infrastructure for Novelis' generational investment."

"I am appreciative of all of the help and effort made by state Sen. Greg Albritton, ALDOT Director John Cooper, State Treasurer Young Boozer, Finance Director Bill Poole and the Baldwin County Legislative Delegation for their partnership and commitment that will bring 1,000 new high-paying jobs in Baldwin County," Ball asserted.

The grant of $5 million awarded for this project makes up a massive 45% of the total grant funds awarded this fiscal year by the Alabama Industrial Access and Road and Bridge Corporation. The selection process is highly competitive, and only those projects that demonstrate strong economic viability for new or expanding industries committed to new investments and job creation make the cut. Albritton proudly guided this grant through Montgomery to completion, and it is a testament to the project's strength and potential.

The State Sen. Albritton exclaimed: "The economic viability was given with the Novelis site in Bay Minette. My congratulations to Baldwin County commissioners, Mr. Cooper with the DOT, all the engineers and Novelis for achieving success on what could have been a difficult problem. Working together, we will bring generational economic strength to north Baldwin County."

Novelis, the leading aluminium company that will benefit from the grant, is expected to generate a whopping $6.5 billion in total economic output and create 900 indirect jobs in addition to the 1,000 direct jobs at the 3,000-acre, former South Alabama Megasite in Bay Minette. With only 100 employees in Baldwin County, the plant will be a game-changer for the region's employment landscape.

The facility will be the first fully integrated aluminium mill built in the United States in 40 years and will be powered primarily by renewable energy, use recycled water, and be a zero-waste facility. The plant's construction is expected to be completed in 2025, and it promises to be a significant milestone for the region's industrial growth.