The oldest aluminum companies in the U.S.

Since 1855, aluminum companies have operated in the United States. As the country's economy has grown, the aluminum industry has grown with it. According to data compiled by IndustryNet, 940 aluminum companies provide 65,066 jobs. Average sales are $47.8 billion.

Opportunities for growth

The demand for lightweight vehicles, particularly pickup trucks and cars, is spurring development in the aluminum industry. In 2015, Ford introduced the first aluminum-bodied F-150, which was 700 pounds lighter than its steel-bodied predecessor.

The demand for aluminum is predicted to surge, as more manufacturers adopt it for automotive use. The development of aluminum-air batteries to increase the range of electric vehicles may also contribute to an expansion of the market for aluminum.

Due to regulatory standards for construction, the use of aluminum wiring is expected to increase.

Aluminum pioneers

While the automotive and construction are a significant segment of the aluminum market, aluminum companies also serve the packaging, food service, agricultural and many other markets. The 10 oldest aluminum companies, listed here in reverse order of establishment, illustrate how the industry has grown and diversified in the over 160 years it has operated in the U.S.

1. Jamestown Bronze Works Inc. in Jamestown, New York, is a nonferrous foundry that has been in business since 1900. It specializes in the design and manufacture of architectural products. Jamestown's aluminum offerings include brackets and plaques. While the company may be longstanding, it has kept up with the times. Customers can shop in a brand-new online store.

2. United Aluminum Corp. in North Haven, Connecticut, was founded in 1900 as a scrap metal dealer. It began smelting metals in 1905 and obtained its first aluminum roller in 1915. After World War II, the company acquired a mill capable of turning out the close tolerances required for radio condensers.

The business continued adding capabilities and in 1994 became the first general-purpose mill to achieve ISO 9000 registration. UL registration was added in 2010. United continues to fabricate products to the highest standards and delivers worldwide.

3. Since its founding in 1899, Ardagh Metal Beverage USA Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, has grown to be a leader in packaging solutions. Ardagh produces products that are distributed around the world. Its markets include beverage cans, food and aerosols.

4. Madison-Kipp Corp. (MKC) in Madison, Wisconsin, manufactures precision machined aluminum die castings. The company serves the industrial, transportation and the lawn and garden markets. From its establishment in 1898 MKC has evolved to embrace high levels of automation and robotic technology.

5. D&W Fine Pack, LLC in Lake Zurich, Illinois, manufactures aluminum pans for food applications. The company, founded in 1898, is committed to environmental stewardship. It minimizes waste and produces products that can be reused and recycled.

6. In 1892 Kelly Foundry and Machine Co. Inc. in Utica, New York, began producing gas valves for which it received several patents. Kelly has always been family owned. It is fitting that over time, the company has evolved to manufacture objects such as dedication plaques and memorials that bear witness to history.

7. JW Aluminum Co. in Saint Louis, Missouri, was established in 1889. The primary product at the Saint Louis location is aluminum foil. The company sits near the edge of the Mississippi River.

8. Alcoa Corp. is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1888, as the Pittsburgh Reduction Company. Ever forward-looking, Alcoa is involved in a venture to commercialize carbon-free smelting technology to reduce the emission of greenhouse gasses.

9. Since 1863, Nashua Foundries Inc. in Nashua, New Hampshire, has provided companies in North America with metal castings. Its products include valves, fences, manhole covers and parts for historical renovations. The content of Nashua castings is 100 percent domestic. It specializes in fabricating nonstandard parts.

10. In 1855, Morrison Bros Co., the oldest aluminum company in the U.S., began manufacturing boilers in Dubuque, Iowa. Around 1900 it started fabrication products for the oil industry until it became known as "Oil Equipment Headquarters." Even after over 160 years, the company still prides itself on innovation. It offers over 1,200 products with an emphasis on equipment for above ground storage.

IndustryNet gathers and maintains current data on the aluminum industry. By utilizing this free resource, customers can compile a list of manufacturers and suppliers, old and new, by capabilities and location.