On Thursday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito visited Constellium’s Jackson County facility for an in-depth tour and a series of important discussions with the company’s leadership team. The visit was aimed at highlighting the significant role Constellium plays in the state’s economy, as well as its increasing involvement in critical national defense and space programs.
Capito, who represents West Virginia in the Senate, met with several Constellium officials, including CEO Jean-Marc Germain. Together, they examined how the aluminum rolled products manufacturer is contributing to the state’s manufacturing sector and beyond.
The senator’s visit also focused on the company’s role in supporting U.S. national security and its expanding participation in the American space program.
Constellium is known for its specialized aluminum products, which play a pivotal role in a variety of industries, including aerospace and defense. The Ravenswood plant, one of the company’s largest manufacturing sites, is recognized globally as one of the biggest rolled products facilities.
With this distinction, Constellium’s contributions are integral not just to West Virginia’s economy, but also to national and global defense capabilities.
A key point of the visit was Capito’s involvement in securing federal funding for Constellium’s efforts to expand its manufacturing capabilities in West Virginia.
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Capito has worked diligently to ensure that U.S. Department of Defense funding is allocated to companies like Constellium, which are vital to national security. Through this funding, Constellium has been able to enhance its production of aluminum products that are critical to military and space programs.
“The Ravenswood plant is one of the largest aluminum rolled products facilities in the world,” Capito said in a release following her visit. “Constellium’s success is a direct result of its dedicated workforce and innovative leadership, and today’s visit gave me a firsthand look at how this facility is contributing to West Virginia’s economy and our nation’s security efforts.”
During the visit, Capito praised the leadership team at Constellium for their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and job creation. She emphasized the importance of supporting American manufacturing and underscored how companies like Constellium are helping to bolster both the local economy and national security.
“I’m proud to support American manufacturing and the hardworking West Virginians who keep it moving forward,” Capito added. “It’s clear that Constellium’s presence in Jackson County is a major asset to our state. The work being done here is not only important to West Virginia, but to the United States as a whole. As we look to the future, I’m committed to ensuring that companies like Constellium continue to grow and thrive in West Virginia.”
Capito’s visit also touched on the role of local businesses in contributing to the state’s economy. Constellium’s impact extends beyond its own facility, as the company collaborates with a range of local businesses and suppliers, creating a ripple effect throughout the community. The senator emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships between private companies, the government, and local communities to foster long-term economic growth.
In addition to discussing Constellium’s role in the local economy, Capito highlighted the company’s expanding role in the U.S. space program. As space exploration advances, the need for specialized materials, such as aluminum products, has grown. Constellium has answered this demand, providing high-quality, durable materials that support space missions and satellite manufacturing.
Capito’s ongoing efforts to secure funding for manufacturers like Constellium are also aligned with her broader goals to strengthen West Virginia’s manufacturing sector. As the state continues to evolve and grow in the global marketplace, having key industries like Constellium provide stable jobs and contribute to the economy is essential.
Senator Capito’s tour of the Constellium facility was not just a chance to see the company’s operations firsthand but also a demonstration of her continued commitment to supporting American manufacturing and strengthening West Virginia’s economy.
Through her leadership, federal funding, and partnerships with companies like Constellium, Capito is working to ensure that West Virginia remains a hub for innovation, defense, and economic growth.