Steel Dynamics is teaming up with Unity Aluminum – formerly known as Braidy Industries – on a planned $1.9 billion plant. But so far the steelmaker has only said it’s scouting sites in the Southeast, leaving open the possibility the plant might not come to Kentucky at all.
A Unity spokesperson told the Associated Press Kentucky will recoup its original $15 million investment when the ink dries on the new joint venture, but Gov. Andy Beshear said right now the state remains empty-handed.
"We saw nothing for Kentucky. We were used, we were conned, they sold us false hope, and that is very, very wrong. My commitment is we're going to bring real hope. Either we are going to get Steel Dynamics to come here... or we're going to get that property back."Gov. Andy Beshear
The property he’s referring to is the original site for Unity’s proposed plant, which is reportedly too small for the new project.
The initial aluminum plant was part of a deal arranged under former Governor Matt Bevin and has since come under fire from both sides of the aisle, as the company has struggled to line up financial support. Thursday Beshear leveled his strongest criticism yet, saying the original Braidy/Unity project will go down as “the worst and shadiest economic development deal in Kentucky’s history.”
