Vanceburg, Kentucky – Century Aluminum’s highly anticipated new smelter, a project once anticipated to be sited in Kentucky and poised to revitalize the domestic primary aluminum industry, will be built in Oklahoma. While this marks a significant step forward for aluminum manufacturing and the clean energy transition in the U.S., it is also a major loss for Kentucky, a state with a deep industrial history and a workforce eager to lead the resurgence of American manufacturing.

Kentucky has long been a hub for aluminum production and industrial jobs, offering the infrastructure, skilled workforce, and manufacturing expertise necessary for a project of this scale. However, the state’s efforts to modernize its energy sector and attract next-generation industries have not moved quickly enough to secure this transformative opportunity. As a result, Kentucky has lost out on the thousands of good-paying jobs and long-term economic benefits that the new smelter would have provided.

This decision is especially difficult for Kentucky communities that have been impacted by industrial decline, including those affected by the 2022 idling of Century Aluminum’s Hawesville facility, as well as coal communities that once powered the nation. The new smelter could have provided a much-needed boost to these regions, supporting stable employment and reinvigorating local economies. Kentucky’s workforce has long powered America’s industry, and this setback underscores the urgent need for policies that will keep the state competitive in the modern manufacturing economy.

Despite this loss, Kentucky still has significant opportunities to reclaim its position as a leader in industrial manufacturing. To attract future investment, the state must take decisive action to strengthen its manufacturing sector, ensuring it remains an attractive location for companies looking to expand production and create jobs, particularly in clean energy. The path forward requires bold leadership, strategic investments, and a commitment to ensuring that Kentucky workers have access to the economic opportunities they deserve.

In response to the announcement, Industrious Labs and partners released the following statements:

Lane Boldman, Executive Director at Kentucky Conservation Committee:

“This is a disappointing loss for Kentucky, but it should serve as a wake-up call. We have the workforce, the industrial expertise, and the potential to support major projects like this. Kentucky has many exciting energy initiatives that have been developing, but unfortunately not quickly enough to land this opportunity. For Kentucky to remain an energy leader and meet the needs of industries looking for reliable and affordable power, it must modernize its energy infrastructure more quickly, such as grid modernization, energy storage, and diversifying with renewables. To secure our economic future, we must act now to strengthen our manufacturing sector and ensure we remain competitive for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Annie Sartor, Senior Campaigns Director at Industrious Labs:

“Kentucky’s workforce deserves the best opportunities, and while it’s disappointing to see this project go elsewhere, it’s still a step in the right direction for strengthening U.S. manufacturing. However, this is not the end of the road for Kentucky. If the state moves quickly to modernize its industrial economy and create the right conditions for growth, it can still emerge as a leader in American manufacturing. We must ensure that the next big investment comes here, bringing jobs and prosperity to the communities that need them most.”

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For additional information or interviews, please contact Marwa Abdelghani at 818-669-3987 or marwa@industriouslabs.org.