Kentucky Aluminum Processors breaks ground in the Bluegrass State

A groundbreaking ceremony has been held for a joint venture (JV) aluminum scrap melt shop facility in Russellville, Kentucky, being funded by Tri-Arrows Aluminum (TAA) and Tennessee Aluminum Processors (TAP).

According to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, the new Kentucky Aluminum Processors facility represents a $40 million investment in aluminum recycling on a 37-acre parcel in Russellville “that will create 75 quality Kentucky jobs.”

The TAA and TAP JV plant will convert dross and scrap materials from TAA’s nearby Logan Aluminum casting center into molten aluminum and sows. Those newly melted materials will then be returned to the casting facility at Logan Aluminum in Russellville or shipped to other customer facilities.

“Tri-Arrows Aluminum is honored to continue its longstanding relationship with the Russellville and Logan County community,” says TAA President and CEO Henry Gordinier. “We are excited to share in this project with Tennessee Aluminum Processors. The new facility’s proximity to Logan Aluminum was a key factor in determining site location.”

Jared Sweeney, CEO of TAP, says, “We are excited to expand our aluminum recycling capabilities with a new, state-of-the-art facility located centrally in a region experiencing tremendous growth in the aluminum sector. We have been very impressed by the accommodating and efficient probusiness atmosphere encountered while working on this project with representatives of Russellville, Logan County and the commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Louisville, Kentucky-based Tri-Arrows describes itself as a supplier of rolled aluminum sheet to the North American market, focusing on the beverage can sheet and automotive sheet markets. The company is involved in another JV that owns the Logan Aluminum facility in Russellville.

Founded in 1981, Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee-based TAP says it provides secondary aluminum recycling services to customers in the aluminum industry's transportation, packaging, construction and aerospace segments. As a toll converter of aluminum scrap and dross, the company converts aluminum into recycled secondary ingot, “ensuring the highest possible aluminum recovery and reliable quality,” according to the firm.

Beshear says, “Each company that chooses to locate a new project here in the commonwealth brings with them quality jobs and opportunities for Kentuckians. Our manufacturing industry is one of the largest sectors in the state and continues to grow because of quality companies like Kentucky Aluminum Processors choosing and trusting what we have to offer.”