Wieland celebrates the groundbreaking ceremony for its Modernization Project in East Alton, IL

 

• $500 Million capital investment
• Commitment to technological advancement, long-term sustainability, and its valued customers
• Includes installation of an additional state-of-the-art hot rolling mill

 

Wieland, a cornerstone of the East Alton community for over a century and a leading global supplier of high-quality copper and copper alloy solutions, is excited to break ground on a significant modernization project. This initiative expands the facility's capabilities, enhances operational efficiency, and delivers even higher quality and reliability standards. The $500 million project underscores Wieland's dedication to technological advancement and its valued North American customer base while preserving its legacy as an essential employer in the area.

"This investment positions Wieland as the undisputed leader in North American rolled products and underscores our commitment to the revitalization of American manufacturing," says Dr. Erwin Mayr, CEO of the Wieland Group.

The plans include adding a state-of-the-art hot rolling mill that will enable Wieland to increase and improve the production of essential copper and copper alloy components. These components are crucial for domestic manufacturers covering a broad variety of industries such as automotive, defense, and energy infrastructure. These enhancements will expand Wieland's future capacity and strengthen its position as a reliable, sustainable, and high-quality domestic supplier to key U.S. manufacturing industries and customers.

“Wieland has become an integral part of the East Alton community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate their further investments in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This more efficient and modern facility will be a beacon of the power of private-public partnership, innovation, and understanding of the needs of the changing 21^st century economy.”

Greg Keown, President of Wieland’s Business Unit Rolling & Recycling, expressed his gratitude to Governor Pritzker, Deputy Governor Andy Manar, Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, the team at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Mayor Darren Carlton, and Madison County. Their tireless efforts helped bring this project to fruition. Likewise, local and state leaders and business development officials have praised the move as a testament to Wieland's long-standing role in promoting economic growth and its commitment to sustainable manufacturing

Modernization efforts have begun and are expected to be completed by mid-2028.

 

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[Image] From left to right: Director Kristin Richards, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity | State Representative Jay Hoffman, 113^th District | Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District | Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, Juliana Stratton | Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker | Greg Keown, President of Business Unit Rolling & Recycling, Wieland | Jeff Byrd, Vice President of Special Projects, Wieland | State Representative Amy Elik, District 111 | Mayor Darren Carlton, Village of East Alton | Senator Erica Harriss, 56^th District | Eckhart Zimmermann, Vice President of Global Engineering, Wieland

 

For further information, please contact 

Wieland Group 
Dr. Wolfgang Albeck | Director Corporate Communications
Graf-Arco-Straße 36 | 89079 Ulm | Germany 
P +49 152 59719639 | press@wieland.com