Alcan Opens Bumper Fabricating Plant

Alcan Inc. has announced the opening of its automotive bumper fabricating plant in Saguenay, Quebec, which it says will better serve customers' needs and promote industrial diversification in the region.

Representatives from federal and provincial governments, municipal authorities, as well as the plant’s main customers were present to celebrate with Alcan management April 4.

"This new automotive structures plant is another example of our commitment to maximizing value and our continued support of sustainable development throughout the region," said Travis Engen, president and CEOof Alcan Inc.

At the opening ceremony, Jean-Noel Dargnies, president, Alcan Automotive Structures, said, "This plant is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate our competitiveness in the demanding environment of the automotive market. We are confident that our manufacturing and technological expertise, coupled with the unique abilities of aluminum to reduce weight while improving safety, will make us successful in North America."

The plant is located in the crucible of Alcan’s primary metal production in Canada and will have an annual production capacity of 1 million bumper beams once at full capacity, Alcan reports.

The plant is the second step in building a new market for aluminum structural assemblies in the North American market. This effort also involves a sister plant already in place in Novi, Mich. These two facilities will work closely together, as an integrated operation.

In addressing the guests at the ceremony, Cynthia Carroll, president and CEO, Alcan Primary Metal Group, said, "This new plant represents an important investment in value-added activities which support the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean’s efforts in industrial diversification, while confirming Alcan’s desire to continue to develop in the region."

The number of jobs at the plant is part of the 285 direct jobs Alcan has announced it has or will be creating in the region, since 2003. Furthermore, through its industrial diversification strategy, Alcan says it has also helped create 500 additional jobs with its partners in Quebec.

Alcan, headquartered in Montreal, employs 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.