ThyssenKrupp Alabama Plant Opening

Mobile, AL | 2010

The event was comprised of three components, the first of which was a VIP party for the board of ThyssenKrupp and a variety of dignitaries.

What It Was

Lightswitch got the opportunity to celebrate good economic news when it took part in the ceremonies surrounding the opening of the new ThyssenKrupp steel plant in Mobile, Alabama. The first steel mill built in the US in 30 years at a cost of $4 billion. Lightswitch was retained by Carol Fleming, executive producer for Atlanta based GO! Productions, the event producer.

What We Did

The event was comprised of three components, the first of which was a VIP party for the board of ThyssenKrupp and a variety of dignitaries. The party was staged on a hill that was built over looking the plant. The second and third components were produced the following evening, beginning with a party held in one of the steel plant’s cavernous spaces. In another part of the plant there was a theatrical presentation, which featured a performance by Antigravity, and a fashion show featuring garments made from gossamer-thin steel products. After a round of business addresses, the evening closed with a concert by Lynyrd Skynyrd, beginning, of course, with ‘Sweet Home Alabama.

Why It Worked

Despite challenges with weather, local resources and working in a steel plant that was still under completion, the event was a huge success due in a large part to detailed planning and pre production by Lightswitch and the production team. The event kicked off in fine style what will be an entirely new chapter for the economy of Mobile, Alabama.