Rolling out the red carpet: Kibar Americas plant opens in Fairmont
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FAIRMONT- The Kibar Americas' aluminum manufacturing facility celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14 at 1800 Speedway Ave. in Fairmont.
Kibar Americas is a Turkish global business firm that focuses on flat-rolled aluminum, according to the Kibar Americas website.
Kibar Americas purchased the vacant Novelis facility in March 2026 after years of wanting to enter the American market, according to State Treasurer Larry Pack. Pack is looking forward to the growth opportunities for both the plant and the state.
"I think it [Novelis] went with a lot of stuff that has been sent offshore, and so we're working to try and get it back onshore," he said. "What they want is to have operations in the United States, so they can stamp 'Made in the USA' on their products. So this is their first entry to the United States, and they chose West Virginia. We're very excited about that."
The project has been in fruition for almost three years, according to Pack. He said the company will provide up to 150 initial job opportunities.
"Our communities depend on jobs, right? The more jobs we have, the stronger our communities, and less jobs the weaker our communities," he said. "To have this back in Fairmont, to have a company that's also talking about future expansion, bringing more jobs, is just a really exciting turnaround for Fairmont, Marion County, North Central West Virginia.
Pack said that there were approximately 300 people in attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Sen. Shelly Moore Capito and founder and honorary chairman of Kibar Holding Asim Kibar, who traveled from Istanbul, Turkey.
Capito discussed the importance of infrastructure investment. Capito first visited the facility in June, where she discussed operations with staff after the acquisition, according to a release.
"It was great to get a firsthand look at the creative ways Kibar Americas is working to provide innovative solutions to the automotive, packaging, HVAC, and construction markets in West Virginia," she said. "I look forward to working with Kibar Americas to improve policies that maximize the value of industry leaders in West Virginia and across our country. The operations happening at this facility are incredibly important for many sectors of our economy, and I thank Kibar Americas for the great work they are doing in our state."
Capito is optimistic about the future of manufacturing in the region and hopes the facility will provide job opportunities and economic growth for the region. She was proud to attend the event and commemorate the hard work of government officials and Kibar employees.
"It was great to be back at Kibar Americas and celebrate the grand opening of their new manufacturing facility here in Fairmont. This investment represents a new chapter of opportunity here in Marion County," she said. "I'm proud to see companies like Kibar Americas investing in our state and bringing innovative solutions to the aluminum manufacturing industry."
Attila Cetinel, Chief Operating Officer of Kibar Americas, is grateful for Capito’s attendance and her support throughout the opening.
"We greatly appreciate Senator Capito's visit and her continued engagement with Kibar Americas as we work to restart the Fairmont facility. From the Senator's office to the local Fairmont community, West Virginia has been incredibly welcoming and has reinforced our belief that this is the right place for us to invest, create jobs and build a stronger domestic aluminum supply chain," he said.
Learn more about Kibar Americas and job opportunities at https://www.kibaramericas.com/en.