Alcoa says it will immediately begin to curtail half of the one operating potline at the Aluminerie de Becancour (ABI) smelter in Quebec.

The Becancour aluminium smelter, owned by Alcoa (74.95%) and Rio Tinto Alcan (25.05%), has nameplate capacity of 413,000 metric tons per year, across its three potlines. Two of the facility’s potlines were curtailed in January this year, after union members rejected a proposed labour agreement for hourly employees.

“Since the lockout, ABI’s salaried employees have operated the one potline, performed maintenance, restored stability and improved metal quality,” said an ABI statement.

“The additional curtailment, however, is necessary to ensure continued safety and maintenance in light of recent retirements and departures. The salaried employees who remain will continue to ensure that the smelter can be ready for a potential restart.

“The one operating line has a nameplate capacity of 138,000 metric tons per year, of which 103,000 metric tons represent Alcoa Corporation’s ownership interest. This partial curtailment is expected to be complete by Friday, 21 December 2018.”

After extensive negotiations this year, ABI and the union have yet to reach an agreement on key terms to improve productivity and profitability.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

ABI’s management remains committed to reaching a negotiated agreement.