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Alcoa to invest $16.7 mn in Michigan's coating capacity

15 Dec '14

2 min read

Alcoa Power and Propulsion, a unit of lightweight, high-performance metals leader Alcoa, is set to invest $16.7 million for doubling its high-technology coating capacity at its Whitehall, Michigan facility.

The investment will position Alcoa to further capture growing demand for advanced jet engine parts. The 7,700 sq. ft. building expansion will be located at the company’s thermatech plant in Whitehall, where it produces thermal coated parts that enable engines to run at higher temperatures, boosting engine efficiencies. The coating also extends the operating life of jet engine parts by protecting against oxidation and corrosion, Alcoa said in a statement.

The construction is expected to begin in December 2015, with first production expected to begin in 2016. The expansion will also create 25 new full-time jobs.

Alcoa will install a new electron beam physical vapour deposition machine to boost capacity, which enables faster production by combining two important processes: the bond coat and the top coat.

The expansion supports Alcoa’s strategy of profitably growing its aerospace business, which achieved revenues totalling $4 billion in 2013 and is in line with the company’s strategy to build its value-added businesses to capture profitable growth in high-growth industries.

Mike Pepper, president of Alcoa Power and Propulsion said, “Alcoa is a global leader in the production of airfoil jet engine components. This expansion will enable us to continue providing our high level of service as we meet growing demands for our high-tech, thermatech-coated parts that enable enhanced fuel efficiency.”

Demonstrating its support for the expansion, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded a state business development grant to Alcoa totalling $285,000.

Alcoa Power and Propulsion, a major business unit of Alcoa, is a global leader in superalloy airfoil and titanium and aluminium structural investment castings. Serving the aerospace, defence, energy and industrial markets, its products are primarily used in jet engines and industrial gas turbines. (GK)

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