Wieland Starts $500M Renovation to Transform Century-Old Illinois Copper Facility

Wieland, a leading supplier of copper and copper alloy solutions, has embarked on a $500 million project to modernize and expand its facility in East Alton, Illinois. The construction phase of this extensive capital investment has begun, marking the initial stage of re-equipping and enhancing a facility that first opened in 1916. Graycor Construction Company and Helmkamp Construction Co. have been chosen to lead the multi-phase project.

Upgrading a Century-Old Facility

The main objective of this project is to replace the more than 100-year-old hot rolling facility in East Alton. The upgraded facility will feature state-of-the-art hot mill lines, milling lines, a cold rolling mill, high-bay storage with automated material handling, and overhead cranes, ensuring modernized and efficient operations.

Supporting Sustainable Solutions

Greg Keown, President of Wieland Rolled Products North America, emphasized the importance of this project in supporting the energy transition. With copper playing a crucial role in this shift, the new facility will enhance Wieland's ability to provide sustainable solutions to meet evolving customer needs.

Collaborative Design and Construction Team

The design and construction of the new facility involve a collaborative effort. The Graycor I Helmkamp team, serving as the design-builder, has partnered with Vestal Corporation for civil, structural, architectural, and building MEP design services. Additionally, Salas O’Brien will provide process engineering design services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the project's development.