May 10 2006
Alcan has announced the reorganization of its global speciality aluminas business, entailing the gradual, yet permanent shut-down of the Company’s Specialty-Calcined Alumina plant (UPCA) in Jonquière, Quebec by year end. In addition, a number of UPCA’s customers will now be served by Alcan’s Gardanne plant in France.
"For quite some time now, UPCA has not been profitable. This decision regarding the site was taken following an in-depth analysis of all possible alternatives, as well as concerted efforts to identify and implement solutions within its current collective labour agreement," said Jacynthe Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Bauxite and Alumina.
“Alcan is now focused on working with its customers to define next steps and meeting promptly with union representatives to minimize impacts on employees,” concluded Côté.
The alumina processed by UPCA, a small unit of Alcan’s Vaudreuil Works, will now be redirected towards aluminum production. The plant employs 85 people and produces 55,000 tonnes of specialty alumina for the ceramic and refractory market. The entire Vaudreuil Works employs approximately 1,000 people and has an annual alumina production of over 1.4 million tonnes.
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