Selma, AL - Today, Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) applauded Globe Metallurgical Inc. on the re-opening of the 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. 

“I'm thrilled that Globe Metallurgical Inc. is reopening its silicon metal facility in my hometown of Selma!” said Rep. 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.”

Background:

The Selma plant closed in 2018 due to low prices for silicon metal caused by foreign dumping.

As a result of an increased demand and rise of prices, the plant in Selma reopened in November 2021. 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.Additionally, the company hopes to secure federal New Market Tax Credits, which will enable further investment and an expansion of capabilities in the Selma operation.

At full production, the facility will employ around 100 people in the region and will do business with 150 local suppliers. The two-furnace operation can produce up to 22,000 tons of silicon metal a year. The plant plans to restart the first furnace in January 2022, soon followed by a complete ramp-up to full operational capacity.

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 Company is based in London. For more information, visit http://investor.ferroglobe.com.

“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.” 

“This has been a cooperative effort by The EDA, State of Alabama, Dallas County, and the City of Selma which includes Veronica Crock, Kelley Graham, Judge Jimmy Nunn, Mayor James Perkins Jr., and me,” said Selma and Dallas County Economic Development Authority Executive Director, Wayne Vardaman.