Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announces Michigan Mobility Funding Platform grants on Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2021 at the GM Mobility Research Center at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Whitmer's office announced three projects on April 26, 2022, including the arrival of Hydro Aluminum Metals USA, LLC in Cass County. Hydro will launch a new new product line at its Cassopolis facility to support the electric vehicle market. (MLive file photo)Jake May
CASS COUNTY, MI — An aluminum recycling business expected to generate a total capital investment of $150 million and create up to 67 new well-paying jobs is coming to Cassopolis.
The company, Hydro Aluminum Metals USA, LLC — which recycles aluminum extrusion ingots for a variety of uses — plans to construct a new facility in the village of Cassopolis where it will introduce a new product line to support the electric vehicle market.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) announced the news Tuesday, April 26 in a joint press release. The facility will be the first manufacturing operation to be located in the Southwest Michigan Advanced Research and Technology (SMART) Park in Cassopolis, the release states.
Plans for the project include a new rail spur that will also allow other businesses in the SMART Park to ship and receive their own materials.
The project was one of three approved by the Michigan Strategic Fund on Tuesday along with a redevelopment of a former GM plant in Detroit and a community revitalization project in Bay City, according to the release.
Related: Whitmer announces first round of grants to accelerate mobility, electric vehicle investments
The Cassopolis project is being supported by $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant funds. As a result, per federal requirement, at least 51% of the jobs must be held by low-or moderate-income individuals.
The Michigan Strategic Fund also approved a 15-year State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $1.7 million in support of the project.
“Hydro is pleased to bring its innovative recycling technology to Cassopolis and looks forward to providing new long-term career opportunities for area residents,” said Trond Gjellesvik, president of Hydro Aluminum Metals USA.
“We appreciate the warm welcome we have received from the village of Cassopolis along with our partners at Midwest Energy & Communications, and we thank the village and the state of Michigan for their support for our new facility.”
Michigan was chosen by Hydro over competing sites in Indiana, Kentucky and Texas.
Hydro’s parent company, Norsk Hydro ASA, is one of the largest aluminum companies in the world with 140 locations in 40 countries.
Those interested in learning more about Hydro or careers with Hydro, can click here.
“Today’s investment will help us continue growing Michigan’s economy by creating good-paying jobs for Michiganders, building on our leadership in the mobility space, expanding our inventory of development-ready facilities, and supporting vibrant communities,” Whitmer said in a statement.
State Sen. Kim LaSata, R-Niles, also applauded the announcement.
“We have shown the world that Michigan means business, and I am happy to see more companies look to expand their operations here in our great state,” she said. “This is great news for the local economy and for Southwest Michigan workers.
“I want to applaud area leaders for their hard work in attracting this opportunity and sealing the deal.”
The project will include the construction of a new production facility and is expected to include resources for a proprietary aluminum casting process that uses more than 75% recycled content, the release states.
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