Bechtel's Next-Gen Aluminium Smelter in the US

Bechtel showcases how procurement has evolved from transactional purchasing to strategic value creation through two landmark US ventures: Los Angeles’ Sepulveda rail project and Oklahoma’s new primary aluminium smelter—the nation’s first since 1980, set to double domestic output and reinforce industrial resilience.

As a core member of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Partners (STCP) consortium with Meridiam and American Triple I (ATI), Bechtel welcomes the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board’s approval of its refined proposal for a fully underground, high-capacity rail line linking the San Fernando Valley to the Westside – one of the largest transit investments in US history.

This project will expand dependable transit across LA’s busiest corridor, strengthening regional connectivity.

PPP and competitive tendering

The public-private partnership (PPP) illustrates procurement’s core strengths: competitive RFP‑based selection, consortium sourcing for specialised expertise, and supply chain orchestration for megaproject delivery. Metro’s stringent technical evaluations, environmental assessments, and community engagement echo CPO-led tendering practices that balance cost, risk and innovation.

Bechtel’s leadership underscores the power of strategic sourcing – assessing partners such as financier Meridiam for risk transfer and optimizing spend across complex engineering categories.

“High-capacity transit is foundational to how growing metropolitan regions expand mobility, support economic growth and connect communities to opportunity,” says Jacob Mumm, General Manager of Bechtel’s Public Infrastructure Business.

“With deep roots in California and decades of experience delivering complex rail projects worldwide, Bechtel is proud to support Metro and our consortium partners as they advance this transformative investment for Los Angeles.”

Bechtel’s rail portfolio

The underground line will carry over 100,000 passengers daily, easing congestion along Interstate 405 and connecting stations at the Metro G Line, Ventura Boulevard, UCLA, and Wilshire/Metro D Line – improving access to jobs, education, and healthcare.

Procurement teams will manage high-value categories such as automated signalling (drawing on Riyadh Metro delivery experience), tunnelling equipment, and sustainable construction materials while applying spend analytics to maintain cost control across this multibillion-dollar build.

Bechtel’s global rail portfolio includes the world’s largest driverless system, the Riyadh Metro, and Europe’s Elizabeth Line. In California, the firm delivered the original BART more than 50 years ago and now leads BART Silicon Valley Phase 2, as well as ongoing Riverside County infrastructure since 1987 – spanning rail, roads, bridges, and pipelines.

Aluminium productionin the US

Bechtel has been chosen by Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and Century Aluminum for early engineering and execution planning of a new primary aluminium smelter in Inola, Oklahoma – expected to create 1,000 permanent jobs and up to 4,000 construction roles, while reinforcing U.S. manufacturing supply chains.

Procurement strategy here focuses on sourcing energy‑efficient technology, bauxite and alumina feedstocks, and modular construction methods to boost efficiency and mitigate logistics risks through integrated road and river networks. With over 25 years of experience delivering one‑third of global aluminium smelting capacity outside China, Bechtel is positioned to optimise category spend for reshoring and sustainability goals.

“Our team brings deep experience delivering complex U.S. megaprojects and aluminium facilities around the world,” says Ailie MacAdam, President of Bechtel Mining & Metals.
“We are proud to support EGA and Century as they advance this important investment in America’s industrial future.”

These two projects exemplify procurement’s transformation into a strategic catalyst – driving GDP growth, job creation, and resilient supply chains through expert partnership building and category management.