Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Visits UACJ’s Head Office

UACJ Corporation (head office: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo; president: Shinji Tanaka) announced today that a delegation of government officials from Kentucky, USA, led by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visited its head office in Japan on July 19 to meet with Chairman of the Board Miyuki Ishihara and Corporate Strategy Division Director Joji Kumamoto. The delegation included Kentucky Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Jeff Noel, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray, as well as the governor’s Chief of Staff La Tasha Buckner, and Asia Office Executive Director of Kentucky’s Department for Business and Community Development, Mike Takahashi. Together they discussed the current status and future prospects of the UACJ Group’s business operations in Kentucky.

In the city of Russellville, Kentucky, UACJ’s consolidated subsidiary Tri-Arrows Aluminum Inc. (head office: Louisville, Kentucky; president and CEO: Henry Gordinier) jointly operates Logan Aluminum Inc. (head office: Russellville, Kentucky; president: Mike Buckentin), a manufacturer specializing in aluminum can stock, together with Novelis North America (head office: Atlanta, Georgia; president: Cary Chenanda). As a core member of the UACJ Group’s can stock manufacturing network based in Japan, the United States, and Thailand, Logan Mill has been taking proactive steps to bolster its aluminum can recycling operations. UACJ’s consolidated subsidiary UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, Inc. (head office: Ludington, Michigan; president and CEO: David Cooper) also operates in the city of Paducah, Kentucky, manufacturing extruded aluminum automotive parts that are needed for reducing vehicle weight.

During the meeting, Miyuki Ishihara expressed his appreciation for the state government’s support in procuring green aluminum from Canada, which enables the Group to reduce CO2 emissions from its operations in Kentucky, and sourcing hydroelectric power from Tennessee, which makes the Group’s business more competitive. He also talked about how UACJ is intent on expanding Logan Mill’s business so as not to miss out on opportunities in the US market for aluminum can stock, which is projected to grow steadily in the future amid the country’s efforts to reduce plastic usage and decarbonize. He explained how this business expansion will contribute to economic growth and more jobs in the region while also addressing environmental concerns through advances in aluminum recycling, which are progressing thanks to research partnerships that Tri-Arrows Aluminum and Logan Mill have formed with universities in Kentucky. After discussing these basic policies, Ishihara expressed his desire for the governor and state government to continue providing support.

Governor Beshear acknowledged the importance of aluminum in the automotive industry for reducing the weight of automobiles, including electric vehicles, and said he looked forward to the further expansion of the UACJ Group’s automotive parts business in Kentucky. He also spoke about the Kentucky government’s focus on workforce training programs in the metals industry, and expressed his high expectations for the UACJ Group to play a leading role in advancing recycling initiatives that contribute to the economy, not only in Kentucky but also the country as a whole.

Finally, everyone agreed to continue building trust and solid relations, cooperate in regional development in Kentucky, and hold more meetings in the future.

About UACJ Corporation

Operating globally as an integrated aluminum products manufacturer, UACJ Corporation strives to fulfill its purpose of “contributing to society by using raw materials to manufacture products that enhance prosperity and sustainability.”

The Company leverages the collective capabilities of the entire UACJ Group, backed by a 125-year history of flat rolled aluminum production. Operating five main businesses—the flat rolled products, automotive parts, extrusion and metal components, casting and forging, and foil businesses—the UACJ Group supports people’s livelihoods and industrial development by supplying aluminum materials to a wide range of industries, including the beverage can, automotive, IT device, air-conditioning, and aerospace industries.

The Company posted consolidated net sales of ¥892.8 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and the UACJ Group currently employs about 10,500 people around the world.