Matalco Inc., a member of the Giampaolo Group, plans to construct a new state-of-the-art aluminum billet manufacturing facility located in the Rapids East Commerce Center in the City of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. The $80 million investment will further strengthen and expand the company’s presence in the North American aluminum market. This is part of a larger investment plan to to construct several greenfield aluminum remelt facilities for billet and rolling slab production in North America.
“This significant investment firmly demonstrates our continued and unwavering commitment to serve both our customers and prospective clients and expand our market share,” said Tom Horter, president of Matalco Inc. “After a lengthy selection process, we decided on Wisconsin Rapids as the site of our new plant because of its location relative to our market, its exceptional workforce, local investments in quality of life, and the comprehensive incentive package and assistance provided from both the state and local levels.”
The new facility will be housed in a 110,000 sq ft manufacturing plant, which will be equipped with the latest advanced technology to serve both existing and prospective customers and expand market share. At full production capacity, the Wisconsin Rapids facility will employ 80 permanent, full-time personnel with annual production in excess of 230 million pounds of high-quality aluminum billet.
“Securing this investment for the City of Wisconsin Rapids involved several economic development partners, including state and local officials,” said Mayor Zachary Vruwink. “This is a big win for Wood County and further evidence that the City of Wisconsin Rapids’ economy is strengthening and great job opportunities are growing.”
“This announcement is the culmination of a long term project for the City, which started with the State-Certification of the property in 2014, providing for an accelerated development potential, and now ending with the City joining with Matalco on this announcement after nearly a year of conversations,” said Adam Tegen, the City of Wisconsin Rapids Community Development director.
The purchase of the property in Wisconsin Rapids will be completed by March 1st (or earlier) with construction commencing shortly thereafter. The new facility is expected to be fully commissioned by mid-2020.