First U.S. Aluminum Smelter in 45 Years Brings 1,000 Jobs

A sleepy Oklahoma town is about to become the center of an American manufacturing comeback story that's been nearly half a century in the making.

Century Aluminum and Emirates Global Aluminium just announced plans to build the first primary aluminum smelter in the United States since 1980. The massive facility will rise in Inola, Oklahoma, creating 1,000 permanent jobs and producing 750,000 tonnes of aluminum every year.

Century Aluminum will hold a 40% stake in the project. The partnership marks a significant vote of confidence in American workers and infrastructure after decades of watching manufacturing jobs move overseas.

For Inola residents, this isn't just economic news. It's life-changing opportunity arriving in a region that's watched factory after factory close or relocate abroad.

The new smelter will supply critical aluminum for industries ranging from aerospace to automotive manufacturing. With global supply chains under pressure, having domestic aluminum production strengthens America's economic security and reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the 1,000 direct jobs at the smelter, this project will energize the entire region. Construction crews will spend years building the facility, while local businesses from restaurants to hardware stores will see increased demand.

The aluminum industry supports tens of thousands of additional jobs in transportation, maintenance, and supply chains. Engineers, technicians, truck drivers, and skilled tradespeople will all find opportunities connected to this single project.

Inola's schools, healthcare facilities, and community services will grow alongside the workforce. Young people who might have left for opportunities elsewhere now have a reason to stay home and build careers.

This project proves that American manufacturing isn't dead. It's evolving, and when companies invest in U.S. workers, entire communities benefit for generations.