Commonwealth Rolled Products investing $167M in Lewisport mill, creating 40 jobs

December 23, 2021 | 12:06 am

Updated December 22, 2021 | 11:46 pm

Commonwealth Rolled Products Inc. announced this week they are investing more than $167 million in their Lewisport aluminum rolling mill, a project that will create 40 full-time jobs in the years ahead.

The company’s commitment in its 2.3 million-square-foot facility on KY 1957 will include investment in new equipment and building upgrades to modernize the operation and better position Commonwealth to support automotive and industrial customers. 

New jobs associated with the project will include production, technical and leadership roles. Currently, the company maintains over 1,000 full-time employees in Hancock County, including 875 Kentucky residents. Leaders at Commonwealth expect work on the project to begin in early 2022 and be completed by early 2024.

“This is an exciting time for the company, our customers, employees and the local community,” Commonwealth CEO Mike Keown said. “The investment will allow us to complete the over $750 million investment program we started in 2015 to make the Lewisport facility the most modern and cost competitive automotive and common alloy sheet plant in the United States.” 

In helping make the announcement, Gov. Andy Beshear said the aluminum rolling mill in Lewisport has been an important part of the Hancock County community for over 50 years.

“Once this expansion is complete, the company will employ more than 900 Kentucky residents, and I am confident that growth will continue well into the future,” Beshear said. 

Commonwealth Rolled Products was established in December 2020 following the acquisition of the Lewisport facility by American Industrial Partners. The aluminum rolling mill, which most recently operated as Aleris Corp., was established in Lewisport in 1966 as Harvey Aluminum. The facility produces high-quality aluminum rolled products for the automotive and industrial markets.

Hancock County Judge-Executive Johnny Roberts Jr., said the company is an integral part of the community.

“We are very thankful for this impactful announcement. Commonwealth Rolled Products has been a vital part of our community for many years,” Roberts said. “The scope of this project validates the company’s confidence in the local workforce and helps to ensure a stronger future for Hancock County.”

December 23, 2021 | 12:06 am

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