FAIRMONT, W.Va. — One of the largest manufacturers of aluminum foil in Europe is purchasing the closed Novelis plant in Fairmont.
Assan Alüminyum through its subsidiary Kibar Americas.
According to a news release, with this acquisition, Assan Alüminyum becomes a local producer in the United States, further strengthening its position in the global aluminum industry.
“It is important to the Kibar Group, as well as to our customers and other stakeholders that we continue to build on our strong industrial foundation by expanding our international presence,” Haluk Kayabaşı, CEO of Kibar Holding, said. “The acquisition of this U.S. facility marks a strategically significant step in enhancing our global competitiveness. Our growth strategy is driven by the principles of sustainable production, digitalization, and environmental responsibility; and this investment reflects our commitment to advancing those goals on a global scale.”
Kibar Americas’ COO Atilla Cetinel said the purchase allows the company to be both a ‘local producer and global player.”
“The West Virginia plant will produce high-quality aluminum foil for applications including automotive fin stock, HVAC fin stock, food-grade foil containers, and industrial foil. We will begin a detailed evaluation of all options for the future use of the facility. This acquisition will significantly enhance our ability to serve customers locally and expand into key end-use markets,” Cetinel said.
The purchase takes place about a year after the facility was closed back in March 2025, which resulted in the loss of approximately 200 jobs and the end of Novelis’ more than 100-year presence in the area.
According to the release, Kibar Americas will “immediately” begin evaluating options for the facility’s future use and that the company will “conduct a comprehensive assessment of the site to determine how it can best be utilized to support current and future business objectives, while creating local economic growth.”
The release also said that the company plans to collaborate with utility partners to ensure that the facility’s energy supply is “aligned with potential redevelopment plans.”