Aluminum can and sheet maker Novelis Inc., headquartered in Buckhead, announced Monday the establishment of a research and development center in Kennesaw, affirmation of a growing global economy and Atlanta’s attractiveness to foreign-owned multinationals.
Roughly 150 well-paid scientists and technologists will be hired over the next few years, Novelis spokesman Charles Belbin said, adding that the R&D center should open next summer.
A “significant number of people” will transfer from Novelis’ research center in Ontario, Canada. Others will be hired locally, Belbin said.
Novelis could receive at least $1.9 million in job tax credits over five years from the state of Georgia.
Kennesaw will serve as the hub of Novelis’ R&D activities worldwide, which include seven other such facilities in the U.S., Canada, Europe and South Korea. Atlanta already serves as global headquarters for Novelis, a subsidiary of India-based Hindalco Industries.
Novelis, a world leader in rolled aluminum and beverage can recycling, employs 11,600 people in 11 countries. It notched revenues of $8.7 billion in fiscal year 2010.
“We selected this location for its proximity to our global headquarters, accessibility to customers from all parts of the world, and the ability to recruit talent to the area,” Philip Martens, CEO of Novelis, said in a statement. “The new facility will expand our R&D program to support Novelis’ aggressive growth plans for the future.”
Novelis added 153 employees to its Buckhead headquarters last year, boosting the total to 250. Customers include Coca-Cola, Ford, Audi and Chrysler. A year ago, it announced a $300 million investment in its Brazilian rolling operation – its largest single capital investment ever.
“Our business is growing, particularly in emerging markets such as Brazil, China, throughout Asia and the Middle East,” Belbin said. “As the middle class grows, as disposable income grows, there’s greater demand for the consumption of beverages in aluminum cans.”
The Kennesaw research center, located in an existing building in a business park, will focus on new applications, alloys and products primarily for the automotive, consumer electronics and beverage can industries, Belbin said. It will also study ways to streamline the manufacturing process.
