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Alcoa Intalco to Restart Idled Capacity, Create 60 Jobs by Alcoa Staff KGMI, January 7, 2011

FERNDALE, Wash. -- Alcoa Intalco Works on Friday announced plans to restart a portion of idled capacity at the Ferndale, WA, facility in the first quarter of 2011.

This restarts capacity idled during the economic downturn of 2008 and will add 40,000 metric tons per year (MTPY) production capacity and 60 jobs at Intalco.

Current data indicates that 2.9 jobs are directly and indirectly created in the region for every one job created at the Ferndale facility, creating a combined addition of 174 equivalent jobs.

"We are delighted to add 60 family wage jobs for the benefit of our long term viability and the positive economic impact on our local communities," said Barry Hullett, Intalco Plant Manager.

"We are also appreciative of the support from key elected officials who have aided the plant to restart idled capacity. Governor Christine Gregoire, Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Representative Rick Larsen and numerous state, county and local officials have been very supportive in ensuring that Intalco remains an economic force in the region."

Intalco is currently operating under a 17-month contract with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) that provides 320 megawatts of power at the Industrial Power rate while negotiations on a long term contract with BPA continue.

"Current estimates indicate there will be an excess amount of power available in the region this spring," Hullett added.

"Providing a market for this power to manufacture sustainable aluminum, support secondary power sales from BPA, and provide jobs is a benefit for the entire region. Steve Wright, Administrator of BPA has also been extremely supportive to explore contract options that preserve jobs at Intalco."

The restart is expected to be complete in the first quarter of 2011. Once the restarted capacity has been achieved, Intalco will have 20% idle capacity remaining.