From staff reports INOLA, Okla. – Emirates Global Aluminium, described as the world’s largest producer of ‘premium aluminum’, has selected Oklahoma as the preferred site for the first new primary aluminum production plant to be built in the United States in 45 years.
The $4 billion project is expected to create 1,000 direct jobs, 1,800 indirect jobs, and enhance Oklahoma’s ability to significantly grow its base of additional manufacturing jobs.
“This is a monumental day for Oklahoma,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt. “We are proud to welcome Emirates Global Aluminium to our state and are excited for the generational impact this investment will have on our future. As President Trump looks to onshore our nation’s supply chain for critical minerals, Oklahoma is leading the way in this sector, thanks to our pro-business environment.”
The EGA facility will be located on more than 350 acres at the Tulsa Port of Inola, a 2,200-acre industrial park with access to rail, barge transportation and global waterways. Once complete, the facility will be the largest of its kind in the U.S., producing billets, sheet ingots, high-purity aluminum and foundry alloys.
Aluminum produced in Oklahoma will support the aerospace and defense sectors – Oklahoma’s fastest- growing industry – as well as the automotive, food and beverage, and other critical industries.
The project will almost double the nation’s domestic aluminum production. EGA claims to produce “one in every 25 tons of aluminum made worldwide.”
EGA demonstrated its commitment by entering into a memorandum of understanding with Governor Stitt on April 21, which detailed the conditions of EGA’s investment in the state. The agreement is contingent upon the Oklahoma Legislature approving the terms outlined in the MOU.
EGA was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
“The United States has been an important market for EGA for several decades, and we know there is strong demand for our high-quality metal ‘made in America,’” said Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, chief executive officer of Emirates Global Aluminium. “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.” Part of $200B agreement between U.S. and UAE This announcement was part of President Trump’s and the White House’s unveiling of $200 billion in commercial agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
“Oklahoma proudly stands with President Trump in the mission to bring manufacturing back to American soil,” said state House Speaker Kyle Hilbert (R-Bristow). “The Legislative Evaluation and Development Committee has thoroughly vetted this project, and our Legislature is committed to advancing the Trump administration’s America First agenda for our workers and families.”
Oklahoma’s selection for the aluminum plant “is a landmark achievement for our state,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton (R-Tuttle). “This is a clear testament to the work we’ve done to make Oklahoma a more attractive destination for business growth and innovation.”
“Tulsa Ports is thrilled to welcome Emirates Global Aluminium to the Port of Inola,” said Deanne Hughes, board Chair, Tulsa Ports. “Their decision to locate here reflects the commitment of the Port Authority and our partners to the development of infrastructure that supports significant growth in our region.”
EGA’s presence “will spur new permanent job creation, substantially increase waterway shipping on the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System, and open the door to new opportunities for Oklahoma,” Hughes said. “Furthermore, tax revenues from this project will support the construction of new school facilities as well as potable water enhancements for the community of Inola.”