Aleris Plans on Chinese Zinc Recycling Plant

Aleris International, Inc. announced plans to build a zinc recycling facility in the Economic Development Zone of Changshu, China, about 100 kilometers outside of Shanghai. The plant will recycle secondary zinc materials generated in the steel galvanizing process. The plant will also produce various zinc products, including zinc oxide, which will be sold to customers in the fast growing tire, chemicals and other industries. Production is expected to commence in the third quarter of 2007. Initially the plant will produce about 16,000 metric tons of zinc oxide annually.

This project represents Aleris's first direct investment in the fast growing China economy and coincides with the Chinese national drive to focus on the environment and the recycling of valuable raw materials. The Company plans to expand its presence in China and the rest of Asia and has recently opened regional offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong to pursue additional opportunities in its aluminum recycling and rolled products businesses.