By Brandon Moseley
Globe Metallurgical Inc. (GMI) announced the re-opening of its silicon plant in Selma, Alabama, in January 2022. An allocation from the New Markets Tax Credit Program is also being pursued to enable an expansion of planned capabilities and upgrade of equipment, making the plant more efficient and competitive in the global market. The announcement was welcomed by state officials, as well as Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL07) who represents the area in Congress.
“I'm thrilled that Globe Metallurgical Inc. is reopening its silicon metal facility in my hometown of Selma!” said Sewell. “Manufacturing facilities are economic pillars in our community. I applaud everyone for their continued work in promoting growth and economic opportunity through high-quality jobs to residents in Selma and across the Black Belt.”
“These growth plans will benefit Selma and Dallas County by positioning this historic region of Alabama for job creation and new investment while also reflecting the company’s deep confidence in the strengths of the area’s capable workforce,” Gov. Kay Ivey said. “That is a positive message that should resonate with other corporate decision-makers and create additional opportunities.”
Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said the re-opening will provide "a significant economic boost to the Dallas County region."
Canfield said that GMI’s project in Selma aligns with strategic economic development objectives that call for stimulating additional levels of investment and job creation in the state’s rural communities.
“The Alabama team will seek to capitalize on the momentum that this project generates," Canfield said.
The Selma plant closed in 2018 due to low prices for silicon metal caused by foreign dumping.
Globe Metallurgical, Inc. spent millions of dollars refurbishing the plant, aided by the Dallas County Commission and the State of Alabama, in preparation for the plant’s reopening in January 2022.
At full production, the facility will employ approximately 100 people. The two-furnace operation can produce up to 22,000 tons of silicon metal a year.
Globe Metallurgical, Inc., is a subsidiary of Ferroglobe PLC. Ferroglobe is one of the world’s leading suppliers of silicon metal, silicon- and manganese-based specialty alloys, and ferroalloys, serving a customer base across the globe in dynamic and fast-growing end markets, such as solar, semiconductors, automotive, consumer products, construction, and energy.
“The restart of the Selma facility has been a part of our multi-year strategy,” said Ferroglobe Chief Executive Officer, Marco Levi. “We thank the many government officials who supported this effort and look forward to welcoming back the workforce.”
The Dallas County facility will conduct business with 150 local suppliers.
London-based Ferroglobe and GMI announced in September 2020 that a restart of the Alabama facility was being considered thanks to rising prices, increased demand for silicon metal and worries about foreign dependency for key materials.
Wayne Vardaman is the executive director of the Selma-Dallas County Economic Development Authority. He said that his agency worked with the Alabama Department of Commerce and other state officials, Dallas County Probate Court Judge Jimmy Nunn and Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. to make the project possible.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
