Graycor and Helmkamp reach milestone in Wieland modernization and expansion project

Wieland, one of the world’s leading suppliers of copper and copper alloy solutions, has reached a major milestone in the $500M modernization and expansion of its facility in East Alton, Illinois. Topping off of the EA2030 structure marks the culmination of the first stage in this transformative plan and represents an ongoing successful collaboration between Wieland, the lead construction and design firms and local trade organizations and contractors amid live plant operations. Graycor Construction Company and Helmkamp Construction Co. are the design-build team for the multi-phase project, which began in June 2024, working alongside design partners Vestal Corporation and Salas O’Brien.

“Each completion draws us closer to seeing the full scope of our comprehensive modernization and expansion project in East Alton and what it will contribute to Wieland’s growth initiatives in North America,” said Greg Keown, President of Wieland Rolled Products North America. “With copper having acritical role in the U.S. supply chain, this endeavor better positions Wieland as a provider of domestic sustainable solutions for our customer’s ever-changing needs.”

This week’s topping off milestone marks the completion of structural steel for EA2030, the new hot rolling facility. The building will house a hot mill line, a milling line, a cold rolling mill, high-bay storage with automated material handling, and overhead cranes, ultimately replacing the site’s original 100-year-old hot rolling facility. Graycor and Helmkamp recognize Merrill Steel and the United Iron Workers for their exceptional teamwork and craftsmanship in achieving this milestone.

“The partner team is proud to recognize this significant point, even as we continue to move forward to deliver this complex and multifaceted project on time and with minimized disruption to Wieland’s operations,” said Brian Feckler, Graycor Construction Company’s Midwest Division General Manager. “The work is a testament to the industry-leading technical knowledge and abilities of our joint construction team, effective coordination and communication between all project roles, and a shared commitment to bring Wieland’s vision to fruition — and support an energy-resilient future.”

Through close collaboration with trade partners, the project team has achieved more than 125,000 work hours without a lost-time injury, reinforcing a shared commitment to safety and accountability. This milestone reflects a strong project safety culture built on trust, communication, and working together toward a common goal. Graycor and Helmkamp extend their sincere appreciation to the trades whose dedication continues to drive progress. Work continues on the next phase of the project, focused on process and equipment.