News from the Industry
- As highlighted in this month's company showcase, on Dec. 30, 2022, MI2 member Nucor rolled its first steel plate from its new state-of-the-art steel plate mill in Brandenburg, KY. The facility is the only mill in the U.S.--and one of very few globally–capable of manufacturing at scale the heavy gauge plates used in monopile foundations for offshore wind towers. The new Kentucky facility is a $1.7 billion capital investment, capable of producing 1.2 million tons annually. It is the first steel mill in the world to pursue certification under LEED v4, a more stringent LEED rating system which provides a globally recognized framework for sustainability achievement. More here.
- As highlighted in this month's leader showcase, on Jan. 26th, MI2 member North American Stainless announced the company’s 13th expansion since establishing its Kentucky headquarters in 1990, a $244 million investment creating 70 new full-time jobs. The expansion includes a new cold rolling mill, new roll grinders, extensive upgrades of anneal and pickling lines to support the new rolling mill, a new temper mill, and the expansion of the company’s melt shop, to add a 400-metric ton crane. The project increases NAS’ total capacity by 200,000 tons annually–a 20% growth in production. More here.
- The Metals Innovation Initiative is a collaborator on a National Science Foundation grant application to be a Regional Innovation Engine. The grant is led by the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), with collaborations including the University of Louisville, Ohio State University, West Virginia University, America Makes, and Astro-America. More about the Regional Innovation Engine program here.
- The Western Kentucky University Innovation Campus recently hired a new Workforce Participation Lead to head up its innovation lab focused on challenging talent and workforce needs in the region. The position was established in partnership with University of Louisville’s CORE4.0 and MI2, and supported with supplemental funding from the governments of Bowling Green and Warren County. MI2 is working with this new innovation lab on exploring pilot projects. Learn more about the project lead, Joshua Zaczek, via this feature in The Bowling Green Daily News.
- University of Kentucky College of Engineering’s Electron Microscopy Center (EMC) is conducting in-person and remote workshops over the Spring, in order to familiarize industrial users with the imaging and characterization techniques and equipment available at the University of Kentucky and better connect companies to researchers. Besides conventional imaging and metallographic analyses, the EMC routinely facilitates the characterization of novel, complex, small-scale assemblies (sensors, electronics) and materials (additive manufacturing, multilayers) that require the use of advanced, expensive scientific equipment that is often not readily accessible. The EMC offers access, training and assistance on state-of-the-art imaging and materials characterization instruments. Techniques available include high resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy, microCT, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), focused and broad ion beam milling techniques. For more information, see the center’s website or contact the staff via email.
- Women in Manufacturing has an active Kentucky chapter highly interested in connecting with women working in Kentucky’s metals ecosystem. The organization hosts regular chapter meetings and events, such as an upcoming Thursday, Feb. 23rd, plant tour and lunch at Ingersoll Rand in Campbellsville. More information about Women in Manufacturing’s Kentucky chapter–and information on signing up for their newsletter and social media sites–via their website.
- MI2 has been working with the Kentucky Manufacturing Extension Partnership (KY-MEP) at the University of Louisville as we further build our initiatives and projects in support of Kentucky’s metals innovation ecosystem. KY-MEP delivers “comprehensive, proven solutions to Kentucky manufacturers, fueling growth and implementing sustainable manufacturing in the Commonwealth,” for large multinational manufacturers down to small family operations. It focuses on helping manufacturers across Kentucky thrive in today's economy, through operations and efficiency, leadership and workforce, and innovation and growth initiatives that foster employee engagement and build lasting business results–including solutions from the high tech to soft skills. KY-MEP is a partnership entity sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and supported through the University of Louisville. ‚ÄãMore here.
- MI2 member company Novelis released its 2022 Sustainability Report in December, highlighting the company’s metrics and success stories globally for its 2022 fiscal year. Novelis is the world’s largest recycler of aluminum.
- In February, the University of Kentucky will be hosting an Engineering and Computer Science Career Fair on Tuesday, February 21st, from 2pm to 6pm and a Business, Communications, Liberal Arts and All Majors Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 22nd, from 2pm to 6pm. MI2 member North American Stainless is one of the career fair sponsors!
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