ASHLAND, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Introduced today as Unity Aluminum, the company will continue to play a leading role in the 21st-century aluminum industry by addressing a substantial global aluminum shortage impacting American jobs and economic growth. The new name, a replacement for Braidy Industries, signifies the company’s steadfast commitment to its customers, innovative technologies and local community in Ashland, Kentucky. Unity Aluminum also unveiled a reenergized vision, “Together. Lighter. Stronger. Greener.”
Unity Aluminum’s leadership team, led by globally recognized metals expert Don Foster, has accelerated its plans to build the world’s most technologically advanced aluminum rolling mill at a time when global capacity is significantly constrained. They are currently working to finalize fundraising and begin construction.
“Unity Aluminum has a bright future. Based on the market needs, the initial positive customer response, and the shovel-ready position we are in, I am extremely optimistic,” said Don Foster, president and chief executive officer of Unity Aluminum. “The name and vision, ‘Unity Aluminum: Together. Lighter. Stronger. Greener.,’ reflects our commitment to successfully complete this project and follow through on our promise to be the preferred supplier of innovative, high quality, sustainable aluminum solutions. This will be accomplished by working in unity with our customers, employees, suppliers, and local community.”
Recent market assessments indicate a domestic shortage of 2.6 million metric tons of aluminum, and the average age of domestic facilities is approximately 70 years old. Using a state-of-the-art, low-emissions greenfield manufacturing facility at EastPark Industrial Center in Ashland, Kentucky, Unity Aluminum is positioned to fill the domestic shortage and become the premier low-cost provider of 330,000 annual tons of production-ready series 3000, 5000 and 6000 aluminum sheet for the automotive, transportation and distribution markets. Future opportunities are available in the rapidly growing beverage can market, as well.
“Simply put, America is not producing enough aluminum to meet its own demands. Just to replace imports with American-made aluminum, the U.S. needs four new mills with production capacity similar to the one we are building in Northeast Kentucky,” added Foster. “Not only can the U.S. increase production to manufacture our own materials like aluminum, but we can do it with American workers, creating jobs that support local economies— Unity Aluminum is proud to be paving the way for this great on-shoring comeback.”
Unity Aluminum operates under the oversight of its five-person board of directors, led by successful Kentucky entrepreneur Charles Price.
“Unity Aluminum is committed to ushering the global aluminum industry forward,” said Charles Price, chairman of the Unity Aluminum board of directors. “Don and his team are working tirelessly to bring the Unity Aluminum mill to fruition, and we expect to see their work deliver great results in the coming months and years.”
Unity Aluminum’s first project, a mill in Eastern Kentucky, is projected to generate more than 1,000 construction jobs, 550 full-time mill jobs and thousands of indirect jobs and additional investments in the region.
About Unity Aluminum
Together. Lighter. Stronger. Greener.
Unity Aluminum was formed to lead a national transformation in the manufacture and use of efficient, eco-friendly metal alloys that are lighter and stronger than metals currently in commercial use. The Company’s first project, an aluminum rolling mill is a state-of-the-art, low-emissions greenfield manufacturing facility at EastPark Industrial Center in Ashland, Kentucky. It will position the Company as the low-cost provider of 330,000 annual tons of production-ready series 3000, 5000 and 6000 aluminum sheet for the automotive, transportation and distribution markets. NanoAl LLC, Unity Aluminum’s research and development arm, is a world leader in the science of nanocrystalline technology applied to aluminum. For more information, visit www.unityal.com
