From Lewisport to Russellville...
Aluminum is vital to Kentucky’s economy. In fact, the Bluegrass State is home to more aluminum jobs per capita than anywhere else in the country. Kentucky boasts the largest American rolling mill in for beverage can sheet, along with companies that manufacture parts for the automotive, aerospace and defense industries.
Over the past decade, the aluminum industry has invested more than $11 billion in American manufacturing to meet growing demand for the metal. Today, the aluminum industry directly employs more than 164,000 U.S. workers and indirectly supports an additional half million jobs across the country.
Each year in Kentucky, the aluminum industry supports:
37k+
Total Local Jobs
$2.9 B
In Wages & Benefits
$15.1 B
In Economic Output
America Makes Aluminum in Kentucky
Workers at Logan Aluminum, the largest U.S.-based rolling mill that specializes in aluminum beverage can sheet, in Russellville, KY.
Aluminum scrapyard at Real Alloy in Morgantown, KY.
Aluminum billet (often used for building and construction) at Hydro in Henderson, KY.
Constellium automotive aluminum rolling facility in Bowling Green, KY.
When Kentucky recovers aluminum scrap, the whole state wins.
Aluminum is used in everyday items like beverage cans and smartphones -- and strategic products like fighter jets, tanks and satellites. And more than ever, the industry relies on scrap aluminum to make the industry go.
Today, fully 85% of the aluminum made in the United States is “secondary” aluminum that uses recycled scrap as a main material input. Yet, each year, Americans send more than $1 billion worth of aluminum to the landfill. When we throw away aluminum -- or export it away -- we're wasting a material critical to the economy and our national security.
Recycling aluminum scrap takes only about 5% of the energy needed to make new, or primary, metal. If America recovered and recycled all the scrap it currently exports or sends to landfills, we could power some 5 million homes with the energy saved -- more than all the homes in Kentucky.
During a time of high energy prices and record demand on the electric grid, tossing or exporting our aluminum hurts us all. Saving energy means saving cash.
Aluminum scrap is a strategic national asset. Exporting it undermines U.S. supply chains while strengthening countries like China and Russia who don’t play by the same rules. Targeted scrap export controls will support American manufacturing, reduce reliance on foreign metal imports and combat efforts by China to corner the global aluminum recycling market. Learn more about common sense national policies needed to maintain American competitiveness.
Local Voices for Aluminum
“Recycling metal is actually vital to the economy of the state.”
Henry Gordinier, President & CEO of Tri-Arrows Aluminum
“As the largest employer in Hancock County, Commonwealth Rolled Products is focused on the growth and innovation that’s required to deliver a world class facility in flat rolled aluminum sheet products. We are proud to be a part of the local and state community and we thank our people and our customers for our success.”
Mike Keown, CEO, Commonwealth Rolled Products
“Aluminum is at the heart of western Kentucky’s manufacturing heritage and the life blood of countless families and communities. Through local payrolls, taxes and capital investments, aluminum is at the forefront of the region’s progress and economic stability.”
Mike Baker, Director, Hancock County, Kentucky Industrial Foundation
Aluminum in Action
Aluminum is often rolled into sheet products for use in packaging, transportation, aerospace and more.
The aluminum industry directly employs more than 164,000 American workers and indirectly supports an additional 500,000+ jobs.
Aluminum scrap is an essential input that helps make the products Americans rely upon. Recycling aluminum takes just 5% of the energy needed to make new aluminum.