Wieland Rolled Products announces $500 million investment in East Alton

Workers represented by Machinists Lodge 660

East Alton, IL – Wieland Rolled Products has announced a $500 million investment in its East Alton facility in partnership with the state of Illinois.

Gov. JB Pritzker joined local leaders to announce a new Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement for Wieland’s plan to invest in East Alton, which will retain 800 jobs across the state. Wieland plans to increase production of copper and copper alloys that are used in electric vehicles and infrastructure.

Pritzker had toured Wieland’s flagship plant in Vöhringen, Germany during the year of negotiations to secure the East Alton plant.

“Copper production is an essential part of a sustainable manufacturing future in Illinois, and Wieland’s commitment to increased capacity will benefit other sustainable industries across the state, further growing this thriving sector,” Pritzker said. “Wieland’s leading work in copper solutions is a major part of the East Alton economy, and I’m grateful that they have reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable manufacturing and to the community.”

Wieland CEO Erwin Mayr agreed that copper is integral to energy transition, calling it “the foundation of a sustainable future.

“This investment represents our dedication to our customers’ evolving needs, bringing long-term sustainable solutions to the North American market,” Mayr said. “The project will allow Wieland to significantly expand future capacity and deepen our collaboration with our customers in building toward a more sustainable future.”

100 YEARS OF OPERATION
The East Alton facility has been in operation for 100 years through its many iterations, beginning as Olin Brass. The plant once employed up to 1,800 people as it was a wartime manufacturer of ammunition, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. In the last 20 years the facility has been declared a Superfund site with contaminated soil and water. Wieland purchased the facility in 2021, and 100 employees had been laid off in October.

‘EXCITED BY INVESTMENT’
Wieland’s workers are represented by the International Association of Machinists Lodge 660.

“Our union is excited about Wieland’s $500 million investment in upgrading the East Alton facility,” said IAM Directing Business Representative Jason Tetidrick.

“We applaud Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Congressional delegation’s efforts on this project, which will help improve the lives of hundreds of Illinois residents. Our members stand ready to produce essential copper components for electric vehicles and put our state on a path for a more sustainable future.”

B. Dean Webb, president of the Madison County Federation of Labor, said Wieland’s investment was a promising project for the entire region.

“They’re not going anywhere for a while,” he said. “It’ll be great for the trades for the next few years, building out there… They’re dedicated to sticking around for a while, which makes us happy.”

INCENTIVE PACKAGE
Wieland North American President Greg Keown thanked the Illinois leadership and legislators for working with them on the incentive package, which totals approximately $231 million of the cost. The tax benefits total about $172 million over 30 years, and the package also includes a new electricity substation, flexible funds for workforce support, and more.

“Wieland’s facility modernization project is an extraordinary example of what happens when we prioritize investing in our state’s world-class workforce and preserving a century-old relationship with a business that has deep Illinois roots,” said Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

GOOD-PAYING JOBS
Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-Illinois) said she was glad to visit the plant in her first year in office.

“Wieland has supported good-paying jobs and economic growth in East Alton for more than 100 years,” she said. “I look forward to seeing this investment benefit the working families I’m so honored to represent.”

State Rep. Jay Hoffman agreed. “This announcement reflects the significant investment our state has put into the metro-east’s infrastructure and workforce development, helping to attract projects that will positively impact our region for years to come,” Hoffman said. “Wieland’s commitment is a win for Metro-East working families, and it highlights the positive direction our area is heading.”

Other representatives Keown thanked for supporting the project included Deputy Governor Andy Manar, U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, Budzinski, the DCEO, and East Alton Mayor Darren Carlton.

ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES
“The Metro East is a fantastic location with strong communities and endless opportunities for growth and investment,” Stuart said. “I’m thrilled—but not surprised in the least—to see that another profitable and productive enterprise has recognized our potential and has chosen to continue to move forward with us and continue investing in the East Alton community.”

Wieland also owns plants in Carol Stream, Granite City, Montgomery, Tinley Park and Wheeling, Ill. Other clean-energy expansions announced recently include REV agreements with Manner Polymers in Mount Vernon; Prysmian Group in Du Quoin; and Microlink Devices in Niles.

“Responsibly managing incentives helps to attract and develop large-scale projects that can provide enormous benefits to the surrounding area,” Hoffman said. “This plant is going to play a significant role in the economy of tomorrow, and I appreciate the advocacy from Gov. Pritzker, Wieland’s leadership and local officials who got this agreement done.”