Pure Aluminum to produce alloys from recycled metal in Michigan

Pure Aluminum plans to open in 2025 to provide conversion and tolling services for various types of aluminum scrap, including dross. The Saranac, Michigan-based company is owned by Mark Clark, president and owner of Franklin Metals Corp., a scrap processor and aluminum alloy producer based in Lake Odessa, Michigan.

“There is a significant convergence in the market between primary and secondary aluminum producers and scrap processors,” Clark says. “Acquisitions and partnerships have been on the rise as companies strive to increase their recycled content and carbon footprint [reduction] initiatives. This has changed the landscape for those vying for scrap units in the market. Significant investments have been made over recent years to upgrade certain scrap units that were primarily export items in years past.”   

He says Franklin Metals started as a brass, bronze and copper broker in 1969. “We expanded with our own trucking fleet and branched into other nonferrous metals,” Clark says. “Several years later, we expanded into handling ferrous so our customers could use one vendor for all their needs.”

The company added aluminum melting operations to its Lake Odessa location in 1988, enabling it to manufacture aluminum alloys. Pure Aluminum expands those capabilities. That facility, on a 55-acre greenfield site in Saranac, will be able to produce 360 million pounds of aluminum annually, he says.

“Phase 1 at Pure Aluminum will include an 88,000-pound capacity rotary furnace and a 180,000-pound-capacity reverb furnace with a combined output of 20 million pounds a month,” Clark says. “Phase 2 will include a second 180,000-pound reverb, adding another 10 million pounds a month of capacity.” 

He says Saranac provides an ideal location to supply consumers throughout the Midwest and into Canada with aluminum alloys. “The investment we have made over the years on the logistical side of the business at Franklin Metals will benefit Pure Aluminum as the two plants are only 5 miles apart,” Clark says. “In addition to our fleet of trucks and equipment to service our customers’ requirements, we also have a dedicated team of drivers to ensure consistent, reliable deliveries.” 

In addition to the furnaces, Pure Aluminum will add sorting, drying and shredding equipment shortly, he says, allowing the company to produce various cast and wrought aluminum alloys and deox for the steel industry.

Clark says Pure Aluminum will process 35 million pounds per month when operating at full capacity. “We will be sourcing turnings, sheet, cast, MLCC [mixed low-copper clips], extrusions, wheels and other items,” Clark says, using the relationships it has developed at Franklin Metals and new supply sources.

“We have solid relationships, a strong balance sheet and a great team put in place to procure the scrap,” he adds.