Aluminum Start-Up Company Names COO

Smith

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) — A start-up company considering Lowndes County and other sites for a possible $1.2 billion aluminum minimill has taken another organizational step forward.

American Specialty Alloys has named Robert D. Smith chief operating officer. With more than 24 years in the industry, Smith most recently was managing director of Danieli Corporation’s North America operations, the Italian company making the equipment for the new plant.

ASA is conducting its site search from offices in Columbus and property west of Golden Triangle Airport is thought to be the front runner.

The company plans to employ as many as 850 people making 90 percent recycled aluminum for the automotive and aerospace industries. The technology is the same used by successful steel minimills.

Company officials say they plan to announce a site in the near future.