Century Aluminum Company (CENX), U.S. Aluminum Company, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have announced a joint effort to explore the construction of an aluminum fabrication plant next to the planned primary smelter in Inola, Oklahoma. The partnership, named Oklahoma Primary Aluminum, will investigate how molten aluminum from the new smelter can be converted into value‑added products for the electrical, defense, aerospace, automotive, and machinery sectors.
The move represents a strategic shift for Century Aluminum, which has traditionally focused on primary smelting. By adding a downstream fabrication facility, the company aims to capture higher‑margin products, reduce reliance on imported finished aluminum, and strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical industries. The co‑location of the plant with the smelter is expected to lower energy intensity, cut emissions, and improve metal quality, positioning Oklahoma as a new hub for aluminum manufacturing.
The Inola project is already a $4 billion investment, supported by a $500 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. EGA brings its advanced EX smelting technology to the partnership, while Century Aluminum contributes local operational expertise and regulatory experience. Together, the three firms plan to leverage the smelter’s output to create a vertically integrated operation that could generate thousands of jobs and enhance national security by reducing dependence on foreign aluminum supplies.
"This project will help make Oklahoma – especially Inola – one of the top places in America to manufacture aluminum products, while creating thousands of new jobs for Oklahomans," said Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA. "By integrating fabrication with smelting, we can deliver higher‑value products to defense and aerospace customers more efficiently," he added. "The partnership underscores our commitment to reshoring critical manufacturing to the United States," added Jesse Gary, CEO of Century Aluminum, noting that "before President Trump came into office in his first term, the aluminum industry in the United States was on its knees."
The announcement signals a broader industry trend toward vertical integration and domestic reshoring. While the partnership is still in the exploration phase, the strategic alignment of three major players, combined with significant federal support and advanced technology, positions the Inola project to become a cornerstone of U.S. aluminum production and a catalyst for regional economic growth.
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