May 11, 2022 – CSX will be the rail transportation partner for a new $2.5 billion low-carbon aluminum recycling and rolling plant built by Novelis Inc. in Bay Minette, Alabama. The facility will be the first fully integrated aluminum mill built in the U.S. in 40 years.

In choosing the CSX Select Site for the project, Novelis noted that rail transportation, which can reduce logistics-related carbon emissions by up to 70% compared to highway transport, will contribute to its commitment to meeting the global demand for low-carbon, highly sustainable aluminum solutions.

“CSX is pleased to welcome Novelis to the South Alabama Megasite and to be their transportation partner to move high-quality aluminum products across North America,” said Arthur Adams, senior vice president of Sales and Marketing for CSX. “CSX is proud to be a part of America’s sustainable future by providing safe, reliable and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions.”

Novelis is the global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling. Its new plant northeast of Mobile, will have an initial capacity of 600 kilotons of finished aluminum goods capacity per year. More than half of the capacity of the new facility will be used to serve growing demand for aluminum beverage can sheet in North America, which is driven by consumer preference for more sustainable packaging.

In addition to the beverage can market, the facility will also serve the automotive market, where aluminum is the fastest growing material as automakers make plans to achieve their sustainability goals.

Site work on the new facility is underway, and the company expects to begin commissioning in mid-2025.

Arthur praised the efforts of the CSX team that had a major role in bringing the Novelis project to south Alabama. The CSX team worked closely with local and state officials to secure development approvals for the location and promote the South Alabama Mega Site as shovel-ready for development.

“The Novelis project is what the CSX Select Site program is all about,” Arthur said. “Working with state and local officials, we pave the way for companies like to Novelis to choose sites with efficient transportation, utility access and community support.”