Wieland to expand copper recycling capacity in North America

Wieland North America, the North American division of Germany-based Wieland Group, has announced that it will open a new copper alloy recycling and refining facility in Shelbyville, Kentucky. The company is investing $100 million in the new site, which will serve as a hub for closed-loop recycling and as a refining center of third-party scrap, Wieland says. Earlier this year, Wieland North America announced plans that it would establish its headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, investing $8.8 million and creating 75 full-time jobs.

Wieland says it expects operations in Shelbyville to begin in late 2022.

The company says the site, which will employ approximately 75 people, will use the latest and most efficient technology to recycle a broad range of metals and alloys.

“Many thanks to the state of Kentucky and Shelby County for their tremendous display of support,” Matt Bedingfield, president of recycling at Wieland North America and senior vice president of global metal procurement, says. “The given incentives solidified our decision to proceed with this foundational investment, which will pave the way for further growth in recycling here. We look forward to working alongside our current and future suppliers to find new ways to create value together.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says, “Wieland’s rapidly expanding presence in Kentucky exemplifies the type of economic growth and quality job creation we’re working every day to attract for our residents. Team Kentucky is building a better future for everyone in our state, and companies like Wieland will be a vital part of that effort.”

According to a news release from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, Wieland plans to build its new operation on 79 acres off Isaac Shelby Drive in Shelby County. The plant will melt copper and copper-alloy scrap to manufacture semifinished copper and copper-alloy products for customers throughout North America. Work on the project is expected to begin in October. The new facility also will position Wieland for future investment and job creation at the site.

In a May post to its website, the board chairman of Ulm, Germany-based Wieland Group says its plans involve “minimizing the need for virgin metals [and to] continuously invest in recycling technology.” The company owns several metals production sites in the United States, including those of the former Olin Brass, Chase Brass and A.J. Oster.