The first new aluminum production plant in the U.S. in more than four decades will begin taking shape near Tulsa in late 2026. In May, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), based in the UAE, announced a $4 billion project for production of primary aluminum (made from new aluminum) at a site in the industrial park at Tulsa Port of Inola. When operational, the facility will employ about 1,000 workers.
That project is one of several that were announced during a three-week period this past spring that when combined will create nearly 3,000 new jobs. Another is from CBC Global Ammunition, which is investing $300 million for a new facility at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, east of Tulsa, that will create 350 jobs.
Dollar Tree is building a new distribution center in Marietta that will replace a tornado-damaged facility in the community south of Oklahoma City. Look for 400 new jobs from the project. The 1-million-sq.-ft. facility, which is set to be fully operational by spring 2027, will have the capacity to serve 700 Dollar Tree stores across the West and Southwest regions of the U.S., the company reports.
“The United States has been an important market for EGA for several decades. We know there is strong demand for our high-quality metal ‘made in America.’ EGA has the skills, technology and capital to start rebuilding this great American industry, and in Oklahoma I am confident we will secure the right conditions to do so.”
— Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO, Emirates Global Aluminium
“We are thrilled to announce our return to Marietta,” said Mike Kindy, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer, announcing the new distribution center in April. “This region and the Marietta community are critically important in our supply chain network and will be essential to our future growth. We’re proud of the role we’ve played in the greater Marietta community, and we hope to welcome back many associates, bringing the Dollar Tree spirit back to the area.”
Less Reliance on Foreign Aluminum
The EGA plant is expected to have a production capacity of 600,000 tons of primary aluminum per year, according to the company, nearly doubling the United States’ production of an essential material for modern life and for national security. Some 85% of the aluminum needs of American industries, from automotive to aviation and construction, are currently met by imports.
“The United States has been an important market for EGA for several decades,” said Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, in announcing the project. “We know there is strong demand for our high-quality metal ‘made in America.’ EGA has the skills, technology and capital to start rebuilding this great American industry, and in Oklahoma I am confident we will secure the right conditions to do so. This is an important moment for EGA, and for the economic relationship between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.”
Groundbreaking for CBC Global Ammunition’s new facility at MidAmerica Industrial Park is slated for late 2025. The Governor’s Quick Action Closing Fund helped Oklahoma win the project. This incentive is performance-based, with funds distributed only after agreed-upon benchmarks are achieved.
“This facility will be a cornerstone for our future growth in the world’s most important market for small caliber ammunition,” said Fabio Mazzaro, president of CBC and board member of CBC Global Ammunition, in a release. “With in-house production of all components, propellant and critical energetic raw materials we envisage to build an industry-leading and fully vertically integrated company. We believe that the region’s supportive business environment makes Oklahoma an ideal location for CBC USA.”
High Return on Aerospace Industry Investment
Aerospace and defense remains one of Oklahoma’s signature industry sectors, with more than $146 million in capital investment and 25 new or expanding projects announced in 2024. Combined they will create about 1,000 new jobs. The state’s Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) office, part of the Department of Commerce, has played a key role.
The state has invested $9.35 million in ACES since the program was created in 2018, the Department reports. To date, ACES has helped secure over $2 billion in capital investment (a 216% ROI), 126 project wins and 8,915 new jobs. Over the past decade, Oklahoma has seen a 125% increase in aerospace exports.
In October 2024, Pratt & Whitney opened its largest military engines field location in Oklahoma City. The company says the $255 million investment will enable it to meet the growing demands of both U.S. and global defense customers for the F135, F117, TF33, F100 and F119 engines.
“Oklahoma City is the heart of our global sustainment network for Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines business and plays a critical role on every single one of our programs,” said Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney. “This new facility will serve as a hub for all of our military engine programs and allow us to better support our customers and their missions.”
Pratt & Whitney’s Oklahoma City site is home to over 500 full-time employees, with an additional 500 contract and partner employees. This investment will create an additional 100 full-time jobs over the next five years.
In addition to welcoming its first NBA Championship, Oklahoma City is celebrating a $255 million investment from Pratt & Whitney.
Photo: Getty Images
