BOWLING GREEN, KY. March 19, 2024 – Vista Metals, a global leader in specialty aluminum products, is expanding its operations to Bowling Green, Kentucky. Vista Metals’ decision to invest in this new campus is anticipated to create over 50 new jobs and bring innovative metals manufacturing capabilities to the area with a planned capital investment of approximately $60M. Initial site preparation is now underway, and Vista Metals will commence a phased build-out to support the growth in its core markets.
“The growth of Kentucky’s metals sector is not slowing down any time soon,” Gov. Beshear said. “We have seen incredible investment across this industry in recent years, and Warren County has been among the leading communities for that growth. Thank you to the leaders at Vista Metals for this commitment to Kentucky. I look forward to seeing the company grow its presence in our state.”
Vista Metals has been producing specialty aluminum products since 1968 and is a market leader in the manufacturing of specialty aluminum products supporting aerospace, commercial aircraft, defense, automotive, and general industrial applications. This purpose-built campus represents a significant investment in Vista Metals’ future growth trajectory.
“The opening of Vista Metals in Kentucky underscores our commitment to the aerospace industry and our recognition of the importance of delivering robust supply chains,” said Kelly Thomas, President of Vista Metals. “This strategic investment will further support our customers’ growth in aerospace as OEMs look to more than double commercial aircraft build rates over the next two decades. Given the recovery in the markets and strong long-term growth outlook, our intent is to invest in a manner that will enable customers to test and qualify this facility ahead of the projected growth surge, along with ongoing investments in our people, processes and equipment at our existing facilities. We look forward to growing our business in the aerospace industry and continuing to be a trusted partner to our customers.”
"I am thrilled that Vista Metals has chosen to invest in our community and bring new jobs to the area," said Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman. "Their decision to establish a new location in Warren County is a testament to the region's attractiveness for businesses seeking strategic growth opportunities. This expansion will not only create job opportunities but also further solidify Warren County's position as a hub for innovation and manufacturing excellence."
“Vista Metals’ investment underscores Bowling Green’s position as a prime destination for companies looking to capitalize on the region’s skilled workforce and robust infrastructure," Mayor Todd Alcott continued. "We are proud to have Vista Metals as part of the business community and look forward to their continued success in our city.”
“We are excited to announce our new location in Kentucky, with a plan to bring over 50 new jobs to the area,” said Andy Primack, CEO of Vista Metals. “Bowling Green is a growing city with a strong industrial business base. Critical to our success is their proven track record of attracting qualified manufacturing talent, the close interaction between business and education and their long-term community development plan. We look forward to growing our business and contributing to this great community.”
"We are excited to welcome Vista Metals to Bowling Green," said Ron Bunch, CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. "We highly appreciate their decision to choose our community for this exceptional project and extend our immense gratitude to our numerous partners, including Atmos Energy, TVA, Warren County Water District, Warren RECC, Scotty’s Contracting & Stone, and our Presidents Club investors, for enabling us to succeed in such endeavors.”
Year to date, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced four economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling $78.3 million in capital investment creating 149 new jobs in the region. Bowling Green has also been recognized as the #1 Tier 2 Metros in the United States for 2023 and Top 6 for 11 consecutive years by Site Selection Magazine. The Chamber has also been awarded the Mac Conway Award by Site Selection Magazine which recognized the Chamber of Commerce as a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the Country for the last three consecutive years.
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About Vista Metals:
VMC Specialty Alloys LLC (dba Vista Metals Georgia) operates under a licensing agreement with Fontana, CA based Vista Metals Corp. Along with Vista Progressive Metals LLC (a producer of aluminum lithium products), the group of companies are market leaders in the manufacturing of specialty aluminum products, serving customers worldwide across diverse industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense. With a legacy of excellence spanning decades, Vista Metals is recognized for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
About South Central Kentucky Economic Development:
South Central Kentucky Economic Development is an entity of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a nationally ranked 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Located at the center of a 34-state distribution area in the eastern United States, South Central Kentucky is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution facilities. South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60% of the nation's population, personal income, and manufacturing business establishments. Bowling Green ranks second in the United States for best manufacturing city. The region has captured over four billion in capital investment in the past decade, creating thousands of jobs. To learn more, please visit https://www.southcentralky.com