Braidy Atlas plans to cooperate with the BMW Group on sustainability and technical qualification for the future supply of 5000 and 6000 series automotive aluminum sheet. The milestone plan includes a comprehensive closed-loop recycling strategy that would leverage Braidy Atlas’ logistically optimal location in Ashland, Kentucky, which will be in close proximity to BMW´s car production plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
“This groundbreaking collaboration is just the beginning of opportunities as we competitively combine the highest quality aluminum with the lowest-carbon content yet, together setting an exciting new standard not just for North America but our industry globally,” stated Lord Gregory Barker, executive chairman of EN+ and recently named co-chairman of Braidy Atlas.
Braidy Atlas is a new $1.6 billion greenfield aluminum rolling complex, which is currently being constructed in Kentucky. The facility aims to be a low cost leader in North America once it begins production in 2021. “Our low-cost, high-quality, low-carbon footprint allows material improvement in global supply chain costs for BMW as a key customer,” stated Craig Bouchard, chief executive officer of Braidy.
The company recently signed an LOI with UC Rusal for a $200 million investment in the new rolling mill, through which Rusal will obtain a 40% share in the project and will serve as Braidy’s exclusive supplier of low-carbon aluminum ingot. The aim of this partnership is for the company to be the first North American rolling mill to use 100% sustainable inputs from inception. Furthermore, as the first U.S. rolling mill to obtain a low-emissions air permit from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Braidy is targeting 20% lower emissions than its competitors.