Expansion Management

Barberton Ohio Just Got Cleaner Thanks to Alcoa

July 9, 2011

While the aluminum wheels produced by Alcoa at its plant in Barberton, Ohio are 100% recycled, the company is pushing further to help the environment.

A $21 million expansion of B&C Research, which is part of its Wheel and Transportation products business, will include installing an advanced recycling and casting process.

The new 35,000-square-foot facility, the first of its kind in North America according to the company, will use new technology to produce billet from remelted scrap aluminum. The aluminum billet will then be used to make new wheels.

The company estimates that it will lower its carbon footprint though a 25% reduction in energy consumption.

And let's not forget that the aluminum wheels reduce the overall weight of the car which improves fuel efficiency also.

All in all a good turn for the environment.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

Email: [email protected]

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.