Aluminum rolling and recycling firm Novelis recently started of construction on the first fully integrated aluminum mill in the US in four decades in Bay Minette, AL, state officials announced Wednesday. Once operational, the firm’s new aluminum mill will have an initial capacity of 600 kt/yr of finished aluminum products.

“With this massive investment and large-scale hiring plants, Novelis will launch a high-tech aluminum mill that will generate significant economic impacts throughout the region for generations,” Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said in a release.

The $2.5 billion facility at the South Alabama Mega Site is expected to feature advanced automation and digital technologies, from artificial intelligence to augmented reality. Novelis is also including a number of eco-friendly features at the location, including zero waste, and the use of renewable energy and recycled water, as part of its efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.

“Through this investment, we are making a demonstrative commitment to continue to grow alongside our customers and meet their needs for low-carbon, highly sustainable aluminum solutions,” said Novelis president and chief executive officer Steve Fisher, in a statement, adding, “In addition, we are well positioned to efficiently expand capacity at this facility in the future – above the 600 kt announced today – to capture ongoing strong demand.”

Novelis expects to commission the plant in mid-2025. 1,000 new jobs will be created through the project.