Economic Development, Government Leaders Welcome Alcoa Announcement
News that Alcoa Inc. has chosen Lafayette, Ind., as the site for the world’s first full-production aluminum lithium casting facility was greeted with enthusiasm by and support from city and county government leaders and economic development officials.
“It’s fantastic news, key to a healthy economy in Lafayette, and a door of opportunity for those seeking good-paying jobs,” Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said of the $90 million investment and 75 new jobs.
The city and Tippecanoe County government are supporting Alcoa by providing training funds for the new employees.
“With this announcement, Alcoa is breaking new ground,” said Tom Murtaugh, Tippecanoe County commissioner and president of the commissioners. “It’s a proud day and a history-making day for Tippecanoe County when the ‘Made in Lafayette’ stamp goes on something so pioneering.
“The Tippecanoe County Commissioners are pleased to support this new venture and Alcoa’s investment by providing training funds for the new employees.”
Greater Lafayette Commerce worked closely with Alcoa on the project, said Jody Hamilton, director of economic development. “We believe Alcoa has made a wise and sound decision. In a word, Greater Lafayette Commerce is ecstatic,” Hamilton said.
“It is no small feat to be the community chosen for a $90 million new plant and 75 new jobs,” she said. “It takes a community that is a world player itself, as Lafayette has proven itself to be. It takes a community that works together—government, education, business and industry—to be supportive of growth and opportunities. And we are.
“It takes stepping up to make sure those new jobs come to our community, as the City of Lafayette and the Tippecanoe County Commissioners have done by providing training funds for new employees. And it takes foresight and preparation.”
“This is what economic development organizations dream about,” said Joseph Seaman, president and chief executive officer of Greater Lafayette Commerce. “Here, we’re lucky enough to see that dream realized.
“When it comes to making Greater Lafayette ‘The Place of Choice,’ as Greater Lafayette Commerce so often bills this vibrant community, it is announcements like Alcoa’s that make that claim ring loud and clear,” Seaman said. “Today, we are ‘The Place of Choice’ for a major international corporation’s newest investment and increase in employment.”
Alcoa has a long history with Lafayette, Roswarski noted.
“Seventy-five years ago, on April 6, 1937, officials from the Aluminum Company of America, now known as Alcoa, broke ground at 3131 Main St. in Lafayette for a new manufacturing facility,” Roswarski said. “The hope then was that the company would employ about 400 and serve extrusion and tube customers in Chicago and Detroit. That hope was certainly realized, and then some.
“Through the years, milestone after milestone has been achieved and surpassed. Today, we mark yet another, with announcement of construction of a new facility and anticipation of 75 new jobs for this operation that is now global,” he said.
“Today, I feel confident that I speak for all of Lafayette when I say, with gratitude and heartfelt sincerity, Lafayette eagerly welcomes Alcoa’s new facility and workforce expansion here.”
About Greater Lafayette Commerce. Headquartered at 337 Columbia St. in Lafayette, Greater Lafayette Commerce (www.greaterlafayettecommerce.com), whose roots go back 85 years, is a nonprofit membership organization supported by local businesses, industries and governments. Its mission is to advance economic and community prosperity for a superior quality of life.
