Petmin USA, a subsidiary of South African company Petmin, is planning to build a new pig iron plant in Ashtabula, Ohio.

Bradley Doig, president and CEO of Petmin USA, told the Star Beacon the proposed $474 million facility would be Petmin’s first in the U.S. The proposed plant would produce nodular pig iron, which is used in castings for automotive, aerospace, rail, construction, and other industries.

“Metal casting is the backbone of the U.S. manufacturing economy,” Doig told the newspaper. “It is a $33 billion industry that provides nearly 200,000 U.S. jobs. The industry is central to a growing economy, modern infrastructure and national defense.”

The facility would produce 425,000 tons of pig iron per year, and design of the project could be completed by June. Construction could begin as soon as July, and production at the site could start in 2021.

The community also sounds like it supports the project.

“I am supportive of the project moving forward,” county commissioner Casey Kozlowski said. “I think it certainly is a great project that could mean a lot to the people of Ashtabula County.”

Doig was also excited about the project.

“... But more important is the incredible support we have received in Ohio at all levels particularly from Jobs Ohio, the Growth Partnership for Ashtabula, city of Ashtabula, the Port Authority and all the key partners and service providers to the project,” he said.