Aluminum manufacturer selects Williamsport for first PA location

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced Wednesday that Chance Aluminum Corp will open its first Pennsylvania manufacturing facility in Williamsport, investing nearly $19 million and creating over 100 new jobs.

The company recently purchased the shuttered JW Aluminum facility in Williamsport and plans to use the site to manufacture aluminum foil and other alloy coils. The location will serve as the lead domestic supplier for AA Metals, Inc., based in Orlando, Florida. The company also plans on installing equipment that will transform the facility into a state-of-the-art aluminum rolling mill.

“I am pleased to welcome Chance Aluminum to Pennsylvania and support the company’s growth as it invests into Lycoming County communities,” Wolf said. “Chance Aluminum’s first commonwealth operation brings new life to a shuttered factory, brings new, good-paying jobs to the region, and will support its role in serving as a top aluminum manufacturing supplier.”

The company received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $3 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority loan, a $500,000 Pennsylvania first grant, and a $100,000 workforce development grant to help train workers. The company has also been encouraged to apply for the DCED Manufacturing Tax Credit program.

“Having our own domestic mill has always been part of our vision to be the best and most dependable master distributor in North America and aligns with our sustainable growth strategy,” Dr. Jack Cheng, CEO and president of AA Metals and Chance Aluminum, said. “With the new addition of Chance Aluminum, we will increase product capacity, expand market reach, and diversify our operations. Chance Aluminum will focus on production as the reliable domestic supplier of AA Metals. For the next 12 months we plan to hire approximately 100 employees locally.”