Actually, while Alcoa was the main producer of aluminum before the war, post-war several companies arose, including Reynolds and Kaiser.
Unionization and the growth of the middle class, which led to new fortunes in housing, and rampant consumerism, and the birth of the advertising age. The boom in retail sales.
The maturity and growth of the military industrial complex and the entire aviation industry. With jet travel, the airline industry came of age and expanded greatly. The jet engine revolutionized the nation.
The Highway Act of 1956 and the Interstate Highway System? That changed our nation so damned much and birthed whole new industries. Trucking companies. Holiday Inn and hotel chains. Entire new Leisure industries. Las Vegas. The travel industry. The birth of the suburbs.
The idea of food franchising was born in the fifties and transformed the nation. Ever hear of McDonalds? Whataburger? Burger King? Jack-in-the-Box? Sonic? Kentucky Fried Chicken? Church's Chicken? Pizza Hut? Shakey's? Denny's? IHOP? Pancake House? Waffle House? Perkins?
Television and electronics. The entire TV industry, both manufacturing and programming matured in the fifties. TV sports come of age.
Huge discoveries and advancements in medicine and health care.
Also, in the fifties, small business was really king in communities. Chains and big stores like Sears were there, but MOST people shopped in local businesses.
Need I go on?