The groundbreaking ceremony for Kloeckner Metals’ new facility in Columbus marked much more than a construction start — it underscored a sustained commitment to manufacturing in the region and strengthened the push for American-made goods.
Project Overview & Significance
The Georgia-based firm, which already operates in Louisville, is investing $90 million to develop a flat-rolled aluminum processing plant in Mississippi. This facility is expected to produce automotive and industrial aluminum goods, and directly employ 40 people.
This site marks Kloeckner Metals’ entrance into the Aluminum Dynamics Customer Park — an initiative by Steel Dynamics. The strategy is to source aluminum from the adjacent Aluminum Dynamics factory, creating an integrated production ecosystem.
Strategic Partnerships & Incentives
At the ceremony, Gov. Tate Reeves praised the project as evidence of Mississippi’s growing industrial momentum. Steel Dynamics cofounder and CEO Mark Millet reflected on the deeper connection between the company and the state, tracing it back to 2014 when Steel Dynamics acquired a plant in Columbus. He also acknowledged generous state incentives, including a $247 million package approved by the Legislature in 2022 to support the aluminum operations.
Regional Transformation: From Agriculture to Manufacturing
Historically, the Golden Triangle region’s economy was dominated by agriculture. Yet, local development leaders have successfully diversified into manufacturing. Leroy Brooks, a board supervisor from Lowndes County, reminisced about growing up near agricultural land—near the very footprint where the new plant now rises.
Meryl Fisackerly, COO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK (serving as interim head following the sudden departure of its CEO), framed the facility as a symbol of jobs, prospects, and sustained investment for the community and region.
National Context & “American-First” Messaging
Beyond local and state collaboration, the groundbreaking carried a nationalistic and industrial narrative. A backdrop logo proclaiming “We are building North America” tied the project into a broader push to reshore manufacturing.
John Ganem, CEO of Americas Kloeckner Metals, described the investment as vital: “It brings aluminum production back to North America… Kloeckner is excited to serve as a strategic supply chain partner delivering American-made aluminum.”
When speaking with media, Gov. Reeves highlighted that Mississippi’s industrial investments align well with a national “American-first agenda,” asserting that “manufacturing in America” is integral to that framework.
Growth Prospects & Forward Vision
Though the current phase includes 40 jobs, Ganem emphasized this is only the beginning. The facility is engineered for expansion and future growth phases are foreseen beyond the initial construction.
