Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wieland North America Inc. plans to create 75 quality job opportunities with a $100 million copper and copper-alloy recycling facility in Shelby County, which could see future growth. The announcement comes less than four months after Wieland made public its plans to locate its new North American headquarters in Louisville with an $8.8 million investment, a project creating 75 full-time jobs.
“Earlier this year, we welcomed Wieland North America’s new headquarters to the commonwealth, and today I am proud to welcome the company’s first manufacturing facility to our state,” Gov. Beshear said. “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.”
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 for recycling for use in manufacturing semi-finished copper and copper-alloy products for customers throughout North America. Work on the project is expected to begin in October and be complete by the end of 2022. The new facility also will position Wieland for future investment and job creation at the site.
“Wieland is excited to announce our latest recycling endeavor in North America. Many thanks to the state of Kentucky and Shelby County for their tremendous display of support,” said Matt Bedingfield, president of Recycling for Wieland North America, and SVP of Global Metal Procurement. “We are thrilled to be a part of this community. As a 200-year-old company highly focused on long-term business sustainability, we intend to make positive impacts here for many years to come. The launch of our new recycling facility provides us with an opportunity to work alongside our current and future suppliers to find new ways to create value together.”
Wieland North America’s announcement is among four economic development projects Gov. Beshear is announcing today. Cumulatively, today’s announcements represent nearly $273 million in investments that will bring 505 well-paying jobs to Whitley, Shelby, Hardin and Fulton counties, furthering the Governor’s commitment to broad economic development in every region of the commonwealth.
Wieland North America manufactures copper and copper-alloy products, including sheet, strip, foil, tube, bar and other fabricated components for its North American customers. The company also rerolls and forms other metals, such as stainless and carbon steel. Additionally, Wieland operates a distribution and processing network consisting of 15 sites nationally. Its products are used in a variety of industries, including building and construction, munitions, automotive, coinage and electronics/electrical components.
Currently, over 230 metals-related facilities operate in Kentucky, employing approximately 25,000 people. Since 2019, 40-plus new-location and expansion projects have been announced in the state’s metals industry, creating nearly $2.5 billion in new investment and 2,000-plus projected new jobs.