Novelis Inc., an Atlanta, Ga.-based aluminum rolled-products manufacturer and recycler that operates a research-and-development facility here called the Solatens Technology Center, says it plans to move that operation into a new $2.5 million facility it's developing in Spokane Valley.

Silvey Construction Inc., of Spokane Valley, started work earlier this month on the planned two-story, 21,600-square-foot facility at 16004 E. Euclid, says Charles Belbin, Novelis' communications manager. Lindquist Architects PS, of Spokane Valley, designed the project.

Belbin says Novelis will move its Solatens operation here to the building on Euclid late next year from smaller quarters on Flora Road just east of the Spokane Business & Industrial Park.

He says Novelis' research here specializes in improving aluminum and molten metal processes used in recycling, purifying, and solidifying metal alloys.

"We've been doing research there for quite a few years in rented facilities," he says from his Atlanta office. "Now we'll be moving into our own facilities."

Novelis employs about 20 people at its Solatens center here.

The company doesn't anticipate adding to its staff immediately following the move to the new building, although "expansion capability is built into the plans," Belbin says.

The company will move some equipment from its current facility and will install some new equipment, he says. Belbin declines to disclose the cost of the equipment.

Novelis has 32 manufacturing facilities in 11 countries and employs about 12,700 people, he says.

The company reported 2008 revenue of $11.2 billion.