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

A Louisville-based tech company that helps employers capture underutilized federal and state workforce tax credits — including WOTC — through custom software and regulatory expertise, offering MI2 member companies a practical way to offset hiring and training costs at scale.

The economic impact study from the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics finds that Kentucky’s primary metals industry supports nearly 96,300 jobs and generates $37.8 billion in annual economic output, underscoring its critical role in the state’s economy.

MI2’s first Value Provider workshop, led by global digital solutions provider Divami, helps manufacturers turn AI hype into actionable impact with practical, measurable strategies.

Check out the latest from the metals ecosystem.

We’re excited to welcome Constellium, a global leader in high value-added aluminum manufacturing and recycling, to our membership. With more than a century of innovation and operations around the world, Constellium is helping drive lightweight, strong, and sustainable solutions across aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries — read more about their impact on our website.

The Kentucky Industry Conference (KYIC) returns to Lexington, October 13–15, 2026, bringing together manufacturers, workforce leaders, educators, and policymakers to drive innovation, collaboration, and the future of Kentucky’s manufacturing industry.