JW Aluminum to Buy Coastal Aluminum Rolling Mills

JW Aluminum Co. is buying Coastal Aluminum Rolling Mills for an undisclosed price. Coastal Aluminum, Williamsport, PA, is the world's largest producer of light-gauge 3000 and 5000 series alloys, which are critical to manufacturing the honeycomb product used in aerospace applications. Coastal also operates Chromographic Processing Co., which coats aluminum strip for window blind fabricators and distributors.

Sammy Peek, JW Aluminum's director of marketing, explained the purchase as being driven by strong demand in specific product sectors. "Demand for aluminum in fin stock has increased 20-30% per unit, even though units are down. Light-gauge converter foil has been a good business for us this year, and we see good demand in the transportation and container and packaging markets," Peek stated.

Coastal's plant in Williamsport covers 300,000-ft2, with four rolling mills, annealing ovens, a custom paint-mixing center, seven coating lines, 10 slitters, and a laboratory.

Less than two months ago JW completed its purchase of Rollex Aluminum L.L.C.’s Jackson, TN, rolling mill. It already operates rolling operations in Mt. Holly, SC, where it is headquartered, St. Louis, and Russellville, AR..

"We are excited to announce our second acquisition in just five weeks," Don E. Kassing, president and chief executive officer, stated. "Coastal has an excellent reputation and the team in Williamsport is second to none. We believe this acquisition will create tremendous synergies in both the technology and new product areas."