Governor Lee, Commissioner Rolfe Announce Arconic to Expand Blount County Manufacturing Operations

Friday, August 13, 2021 | 09:00am
  • Project is creating 200 new jobs in Alcoa
  • Company is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extruded products

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and Arconic officials announced today that the aluminum manufacturer is expanding its operations in Blount County.

Arconic is investing more than $100 million to support recently announced expanded capacity for manufacturing industrial and can sheet. The project brings 200 new jobs to its Alcoa facility, where it has operated for more than 100 years.

Arconic is a leading provider of aluminum sheet, plate and extruded products for the ground transportation, aerospace, packaging and industrial markets. The company is also a key supplier to the building and construction market, providing architects and builders with innovative products and systems to create high-performing buildings.

Originally founded as Alcoa, the company has origins going back more than 120 years. Alcoa supplied aluminum for many notable moments in American history, including providing aluminum parts for the Wright Brothers’ airplane in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, paving the way for modern aerospace.

Over the last five years, TNECD has supported nearly 10 economic development projects in Blount County, accounting for more than 2,800 job commitments and roughly $1.3 billion in capital investment.

QUOTES

“Arconic is a leading employer in Blount County with a storied history in the American aluminum manufacturing sector. I’m grateful to Arconic for creating 200 new jobs and being a valued member of the business community in Blount County for over 100 years.” – Gov. Bill Lee

“Arconic’s investment of more than $100 million is excellent news for Alcoa and Blount County. Our job at TNECD is to support high-quality job growth across the state, and we thank Arconic for its ongoing commitment and investment in East Tennessee.” – TNECD Commissioner Bob Rolfe

“This expansion enables Arconic to help meet the strong customer demand for industrial products and can sheet. As consumers are moving away from plastics for more sustainable products, infinitely recyclable aluminum is the perfect solution. We appreciate the state’s continued support which enables us to create more jobs and advance economic growth in Tennessee, where we’ve been proudly operating for more than 100 years.” – Nandu Srinivasan, president of Arconic Global Rolled Products, North America 

“TVA congratulates Arconic on its decision to expand operations and create job opportunities and investment in Blount County. Helping to support companies, like Arconic, create quality jobs and investment in the Valley is fundamental to TVA’s mission of service and we are proud to partner with the Blount Partnership and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission and celebrate this announcement together.” – John Bradley, TVA senior vice president of Economic Development

“This is great news. Arconic’s decision to expand in Blount County is a testament to our strong school systems, incredible quality of life and the commitment to developing a skilled workforce. I congratulate them and all of our state and local officials who have worked tirelessly to bring these new job opportunities to our communities. It is an honor to partner with them in this effort.” –  Sen. Art Swann (R-Maryville)

"Arconic's decision to expand their operations in Alcoa is great news. I am confident they will continue the legacy of being a world-class, high-quality producer of aluminum products. I appreciate the work of our state and local partners for securing this expansion and am grateful to Arconic for their continued support of our local workforce and community." – Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.

TNECD Media Contact
Jennifer McEachern
Director of Communications and Marketing
(615) 336-2689
jennifer.mceachern@tn.gov

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