Alcoa announced it will expand its Davenport, Iowa, rolled-products plant to meet rising demand from the automotive market. The expansion will take the aerospace materials facility, which is widely known for its 220-inch-wide mill, and create additional production dedicated to the automotive market. The growth project, which will entail an investment of approximately $300 million, will create an additional 150 full-time jobs in Davenport once completed. In addition, an incremental 150 jobs will be created during construction. The expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2013.           

According to Alcoa, more and more automotive original equipment manufacturers are switching from steel to aluminum products as they seek to increase the fuel efficiency, safety, durability and performance of the cars they produce. A study of automakers by Ducker Worldwide showed automakers will increase their use of aluminum from 327 pounds in 2009 to 550 pounds in 2025. For 2012 model cars, the use of aluminum has reached an all-time high of 343 pounds per vehicle. Alcoa Davenport Works produces aluminum sheet and plate.