Alcan Is Among Fortune's Most Admired

Alcan Inc., headquartered in Montreal, has taken the top spot in the metals industry on Fortune magazine's 2004 list of
the World's Most Admired Companies.
    In its March 8 issue, Fortune ranks Alcan No. 1. in its industry and as
one of the top 10 most admired companies in the world for social
responsibility. This is Alcan's second year of eligibility on the Most Admired
list. Last year, Alcan was ranked No. 2 in its industry.
    "All of us at Alcan are thrilled to be the Most Admired metals company in
the World, particularly since this ranking is based on input from our peers,"
says Travis Engen, Alcan's president and chief executive officer. "Last year
was an exciting year for us. We enhanced our business mix, which is a keen
advantage for Alcan. I think this ranking tells us that other industry leaders
recognize that."
    Each year, Fortune magazine and the Hay Group ask 10,000 executives,
directors and security analysts to rate global companies in nine criteria:
innovation, financial soundness, employee talent, use of corporate assets,
long-term investment value, social responsibility, quality of management,
quality of products/services and globalness. Fortune also published a list of
America's Most Admired Companies.
    Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in
aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. With world-class
operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and
specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina
processing, today's Alcan is even better positioned to meet and exceed its
customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 88,000
people and has operating facilities in 63 countries.