MI2's CEO and four Kentucky metals executives issue a joint call to strengthen the talent pipeline for a sector that employs 36,000 Kentuckians directly and pays an average of $90,000 a year.

MI2 is actively supporting workforce development and sustainability in Kentucky by connecting talent to metals industry careers, promoting recycling education, and fostering long-term community and industry growth.

Local leaders are hosting a major in-person career fair on Thursday, January 22, at the Pritchard Community Center to connect employers with approximately 1,500 experienced BlueOval SK employees impacted by recent workforce changes. The event offers a unique opportunity for companies to meet skilled candidates face-to-face, explore immediate and future hiring needs, and support workforce stability across the region.

The Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has launched its 2025 InnoSearch, a national competition inviting startups, researchers, and industry leaders to propose problems and solutions for Kentucky’s $38B metals industry, with finalists pitching at the Kentucky Industry Conference in October for prizes, partnerships, and pilot opportunities.

MI2’s Metals Executive Roundtable in Frankfort gathered 20 industry leaders, Governor Beshear, and state officials to highlight Kentucky’s $38B metals sector, preview an upcoming economic impact study, and advance initiatives in talent, recycling, supply chain, and energy that position the state as a national leader in metals innovation.

MI2’s team connected with global industry leaders at ALUMINUM USA in Nashville, gaining fresh insights, building partnerships, and promoting Kentucky’s role as a hub for metals innovation while generating strong interest in MI2’s upcoming October conference.

MI2’s appointment of Laura Haury, a seasoned environmental engineer and Logan Aluminum retiree, as sustainability project coordinator has garnered widespread media attention, highlighting her unique role in bridging manufacturing, environmental stewardship, and public education while advancing Kentucky’s leadership in responsible manufacturing.

MI2 welcomes Laura Haury as Sustainability Project Coordinator, bringing 18 years of environmental leadership from Logan Aluminum to advance aluminum recycling, environmental education, and community outreach efforts aimed at increasing recycling rates.

MI2 is partnering with the Recycling Society to support the Million Cans Recycling Contest, a school-based program that increases aluminum recycling while educating students about the circular metals economy. This collaboration advances MI2’s Recycling Co-Investment Strategy by strengthening feedstock reliability, community engagement, and Kentucky’s leadership in sustainable metals manufacturing.

Hosted by MI2 and InnoEngine, the InnoSearch competition connects manufacturers and innovators to tackle the metals industry’s most pressing challenges, with finalists presenting at the Kentucky Industry Conference on October 28, 2025. The Industry Problems Search winner, Nucor Corporation, highlights the growing challenge of safely integrating recycled batteries and other hazardous feedstocks into metals production, calling for new technologies and cross-industry collaboration to balance sustainability, safety, and operational efficiency.

On October 30th, at the Kentucky Industry Conference , attendees gathered for a session on "The State of Metals Recycling ." Moderated by Jennifer Betts of Magnar Metals, this panel brought together top recycling experts

We’re thrilled to extend a warm welcome to our newest bronze member, Recycled Media!

On February 20, MI2 hosted ALL4 for the Navigating the Future of Clean Energy for Kentucky’s Metals Manufacturers webinar.

In December, the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) team stepped into the spotlight at the Department of Energy’s Community Energy Innovation (CEI) Summit in Chicago, IL.

ALL4, Inc. has been selected to partner with MI2 to support the goals of our metals company membership by leading a study of clean energy supply in Kentucky, following an extensive RFI and RFP process. 

Last week, MI2 hosted a webinar aimed at helping metals companies secure funding for clean energy solutions. Held on June 27th, this event brought together industry experts to guide businesses through the complex landscape

Attention all companies ready to make significant investments in clean energy and industrial decarbonization! We're thrilled to announce a grant opportunity that could propel your innovative projects forward. The Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (48C)

This week, the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) has released two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) tied to major initiatives with our Sustainability strategic focus area.

New! Quick Grant Summaries Tailored for KY Manufacturers Each listing now includes a short summary showing where and how the opportunity could support metals and manufacturing businesses in Kentucky—making it easier to spot the best

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel

If you missed our recent webinar with experts from Ankura , don’t worry— we’ve got you covered!

For metals companies in Kentucky seeking grant opportunities to advance their projects or research, we're here to assist you. We've compiled a list of upcoming grant deadlines that might align well with your needs. Feel

MI2 welcomes Critical Environmental Solutions (CES) as a Value Provider, bringing proven, maintenance-free clean technologies to improve emissions, water savings, indoor air quality, and operational performance — building on their engagement as a HydroFlow Innovation Cohort partner and 2024 MI2 InnoSearch finalist.

Read the latest press hits that mention the Metals Innovation Initiative.

MI2 is proud to partner with the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers to co-host the 2026 Manufacturers Day at the Capitol, bringing manufacturers from across the Commonwealth to Frankfort to engage directly with lawmakers and state leaders. The event highlights the critical role manufacturing plays in Kentucky’s economy while elevating industry priorities around workforce, policy, and long-term growth.

MI2 CEO Mike Buckentin has been appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Louisville Branch Board of Directors, bringing manufacturing and metals industry expertise to regional and national economic discussions.

MI2 is proud to welcome Mural Industrial as a member, a specialized workforce partner delivering flexible, results-driven recruiting solutions for manufacturers and industrial operations. With over 1,000 skilled trades placements and proven success filling even the hardest-to-hire roles, Mural Industrial helps companies scale faster, hire smarter, and build stronger production teams.

The 2025 Kentucky Industry Conference brought together manufacturers, workforce partners, educators, and policymakers from across the Commonwealth for two days of productive discussion and collaboration, with strong attendance, record exhibitor growth, and broad participation from MI2 member companies. MI2 looks forward to building on this momentum as planning begins for KYIC 2026, continuing to support innovation, workforce development, and collaboration across Kentucky’s manufacturing ecosystem.