FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Tuesday afternoon, City of Fairmont leaders voiced their excitement over the acquisition of the former Novelis facility by Kibar Americas.
One year ago, in March 2025, the announcement detailing the closure of Novelis’s Fairmont facility shook City officials and rocked the community. The closure resulted in the loss of around 200 jobs and threatened the stability of many Marion County families.
Since the closure took root, work has been ongoing behind the scenes, and the City has done its part to ensure this location remains an appealing destination for another company to acquire this facility. Kibar Americas, a company that specializes in flat-rolled aluminum, which this facility has previously produced, has seen that effort.
“We believe this purchase is a testament to the attractiveness of the workforce and infrastructure here in Fairmont, specifically when it comes to this facility,” City Manager Travis L. Blosser said. “As a City, we’re committed to making strategic investments that encourage and support players like Kibar Americas to have a stake in our community. We’re excited to welcome them to Fairmont.”
Many of these strategic investments have been completed by the City, while others, like road improvements, electricity infrastructure upgrades and housing developments, were achieved through City-led partnerships that have been fostered and grown over the last several years.
“News like this only happens when we have a comprehensive approach to economic development. It is essential that we continue to foster and improve our regional economic development efforts, but that requires buy-in from all the parties involved – whether they be Mon Power, West Virginia Division of Highways, or our local developers.” Blosser said. “These partnerships are what corporations look for, and I’m proud to say that we call these partners valuable members of Team Fairmont.”
“Our residents have proven their resiliency time and time again, and in this circumstance, I’m positive that resiliency is what made this deal attractive,” Mayor Anne E. Bolyard said. “My statement from a year ago remains true: now, more than ever, we must band together, continue our investments in our community, and charge full speed ahead.”