Chicago Construction News staff writer
Wieland Rolled Products North America plans to modernize its East Alton facility – a $500 million project needed to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure and renewable energy production.
“Copper is not only integral to the energy transition, it is the foundation of a sustainable future,” Wieland CEO Dr. Erwin Mayr said in a statement. “This investment represents our dedication to respond to our customers’ evolving needs, bringing long-term sustainable solutions to the North American market.
“The project will allow Wieland to significantly expand future capacity and deepen our collaboration with our customers in building towards a more sustainable future.”
2023 is being described as “a banner” year for economic development in the EV and clean energy sector, with projects including Gotion’s EV battery gigafactory in Manteno – which the largest manufacturing investment in decades and the largest EV battery investment to date, as well as REV agreements with Manner Polymers in Mt. Vernon to build a first-of-its kind solar-powered PVC compounding plant using clean energy generated on-site; Prysmian Group in Du Quoin, whose $64 million expansion will manufacture cables for the renewable energy and electric vehicle sectors; and Microlink Devices, which manufactures state-of-the-art solar cells and solar shields in Niles.
