Golden Aluminum, a Coors-affiliated Fort Lupton metal fabrication company, has received a multi-million dollar clean energy investment from U.S. Department of Energy officials to produce aluminum products for electric vehicles and other clean energy technology applications. , the company announced on April 2nd.
The company hosted representatives from the Department of Energy and Rep. Yadira Carabeo to announce the grant on April 2 at the company’s location at 1405 14 St. in Fort Lupton.
Department of Energy Under Secretary for Infrastructure David Crane said Golden Aluminum was awarded $22.3 million for future preparation and planning for the project.
“This is part of a total $45 million project for this upgraded version of new technology, which we know will be highly reproducible. So in addition to creating a bright future for this factory. , we also aim to be a pioneer in the U.S. secondary aluminum market,” Crane said. “This is fantastic.”
Mr. Crane worked in the aluminum industry for most of his career before joining the government a year ago. He noted that Golden Aluminum has an exemplary safety record with no lost-time accidents for 854 days.
Jeff Frim, CEO and president of Golden Aluminum, said the company will implement specialized casting technology and upgrade the plant to fully demonstrate the technology. We use decarbonizing solutions that can be used elsewhere.
“So we can add capacity in stages. For example, for larger factories, they can choose our technology to create a more regional footprint versus a smaller footprint. you can have,” Frim said.
“This is a big idea because it’s good for scrap collection and a more sustainable way to produce flat rolled sheets,” Frim said. “It will not only benefit us locally, but it will also be a national impetus. Department of Energy funding will allow us to take the next step and make this technology available to people.” It is a very powerful weapon that will help us realize our dreams.”
Crane said this is part of the $6 billion bipartisan infrastructure law passed by Congress two years ago and signed by President Biden. Crane said the funding will help decarbonize U.S. heavy industry, including industrial products such as aluminum, steel, concrete, and food and beverages.
He said projects funded by the infrastructure law would have the equivalent of removing 3 million cars from U.S. roads. Mr. Crane said Golden Aluminum is one of five grants the aluminum industry can look forward to.
“This is great for the planet and great for America’s aluminum industry,” Crane said.
This will create more skilled, high-paying jobs in Fort Lupton.
“A big factor in winning this award was the fact that the company has committed to training its employees, which is very important to us,” Crane said. “It’s a win-win all around.”
Crane said his department received more than 400 grant applications from across the country. Golden was chosen as one of his 33 projects.
“To win this competitive process, we needed a team with at least three elements,” says Crane. “One is leadership, ownership of the company. Second, this project was successful in that environment because we had a skilled workforce working with each other and there was substantial support from the community.
“Also, we’ve always heard that they’re good people. Thank you and congratulations to Weld County. We look forward to coming back and seeing this $45 million project once it’s completed.” ,” Crane said.
U.S. Congressman Yadira Carabeo was also in attendance to congratulate the company.
“While we invest in jobs here in Fort Lupton, we will also help protect the environment by conserving water and reducing our carbon footprint,” Caraveo said. “This is great proof that we can invest in technology that saves climate change.”
Caraveo said the Biden administration and Congressional Democrats are investing in U.S. manufacturing and helping bring the U.S. aluminum supply chain back to the United States.
“There is reason to be excited when it comes to the applications of the metal produced behind my back,” she said.
“The best way to reduce emissions is for the government to partner with the private sector to make major investments and create good-paying industrial jobs that accelerate the transition to clean energy right here in Colorado.” she stated. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.
“We are leading the way in the decarbonization of the most energy-intensive industries and laying the foundation for the next generation of clean energy technologies. We are preparing for the future while respecting our traditions.”
Weld County Commissioner Scott James welcomed Deputy Secretary Crane.
“Come here anytime. If you’re happy to be back, you’ll see that we’re a family-oriented bunch. We’re very excited about our business and our roots run deep,” James said. he said.
James said the program is a great fit for Fort Lupton and Weld County because it revolves around responsible energy, good resource management and innovation.
“Some may wonder why Weld County is number one in the state for both energy and agricultural production,” James said. “We are very proud of Weld County’s produce. Weld County ranks #1 in the nation, #8 in the nation, #1 in sheep and goat production, and #2 in cow and calf production. , is No. 7 in terms of dairy cow production. But who’s counting?”
“Our answer is very simple: In Weld County, we understand the value of our agricultural community and energy companies working together in ways that protect our land and air while benefiting our residents.”
Fort Lupton Mayor Zoe Hubbard was unable to attend the April 2 ceremony due to scheduling conflicts, but said it was a great opportunity for the city.
“Sometimes we think of Fort Lupton as a hidden treasure, so having the Department of Energy recognize and grant us these wonderful funds is a great way to support our families and our community. will make a huge difference in the growth of our company and will also help give one of our businesses an opportunity to thrive,” Hubbard said in an email. “It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
