The US-based aluminium producer Aleris has signed a letter of intent to invest US$200m in a plant in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province. The facility will make aluminium coil and sheet for the automotive sector. If approved, construction should begin by the end of 2012.

Earlier this year, Aleris began construction of a US$300m rolling mill in Zhenjiang, with completion expected in the fourth quarter of 2012. A joint venture with Zhenjiang Dingsheng Aluminium Industries, the facility will produce aluminium plate for the aerospace, general engineering, tooling and moulding, petrochemical and transportation industries.