Alcoa Russia`s Samara Plant Launches New Coating Line for Aluminum Sheet

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Wed Jun 24, 2009 9:00am EDT

SAMARA, Russia--(Business Wire)--
Alcoa Russia`sSamara Plant today commissioned a new state-of-the-art coating
line for production of high-quality coated sheet used in the packaging market
for aluminum soft drink and beer cans as well as serving the building and
construction markets. The new coating line is the only one of its kind in Russia
and raises Alcoa to the worldwide leadership position in all aspects of can
material production capability. 

The Samara Plant is the only can stock producer in Russia, and will serve can
manufacturers in Russia as well as customers across Europe. The creation of the
new production line is an example of world-class manufacturing being installed
under Russian leadership and significantly raises the capabilities of the
manufacturing operation. 

"This is a major milestone in the long history of our Samara plant…a milestone
that will ultimately generate hundreds of millions of dollars for the country
over its life and create enormous value for Alcoa, our customers, employees and
the region as a whole," said Helmut Wieser, Executive Vice President of Alcoa
and Group President for Flat Rolled Products. 

"Until now, our Samara plant has manufactured only aluminum can stock for can
bodies," said Wieser. "With the commissioning of this new state-of-the-art
equipment, the Samara plant will be able to fully meet the demand of the Russian
market in all three types of can stock required for production of aluminum cans:
can body stock, end and tab stock. This allows customers the opportunity and
efficiencies of obtaining their needs locally as well as all in one place," said
Wieser. 

"In addition to benefiting our overall business, our customers in Russia will
benefit from local supply and likely will invest more here in Russia. Our
investment is a win-win-win for the country, the Samara region, and our
customers. This new production line adds to the more than 6,000 people we
already employ here, and will ultimately result in many more indirect jobs," he
added. "In addition, the plant will also now have the capability to produce
painted sheet used in architectural structures, expanding this plant`s
capabilities even further." 

Production capacity of the line is approximately 60,000 tons per year. The first
products were shipped to customers beginning this month. 

The commissioning of the line, which was attended by Samara Region Governor
Vladimir Artyakov and the U.S. Ambassador to Russia, John Ross Byerle, completes
an approximately $750 million investment program by Alcoa into its Russian
operations, raising their capabilities to world-class status. 

The equipment was developed and supplied by BWG Company and is the latest
available technology of its kind. BWG is a worldwide leading producer of coating
machinery for ferrous and non-ferrous metals. 

Production Capabilities

The line allows processing of aluminum coils in different alloys with the
thickness of 0.15 through 0.8 mm. The width of the sheet is from 1050 through
2050 mm. The processing rate is up to 250 m per minute. The line is fully
computerized and is fitted out with all necessary equipment providing safe
operational conditions both for operators and for the environment. So, a
combined extract-and-input ventilation system located in a coating cabin
completely changes air medium 60 times per hour. 

Andrey Donets, President Alcoa Russia said, "By launching a new coating line, we
think, first of all, about our future, the future of Alcoa in Russia, and the
future of our customers and consumers of aluminum products. It is consistent
with Alcoa`s global development strategy that is grounded in our confidence in a
positive outlook to improve sales of aluminum, which is the most sustainable,
light and multifunctional material now used almost in all industries.

"Our `winged` metal lends wings not only to aircraft for which Samara
Metallurgical Plant produces many parts. Today, by launching our
state-of-the-art coating line, we definitely lighten life to Russian can
producers who will now get high-quality can stock produced in Russia which do
not concede but even succeed their foreign counterparts," said Donets. 

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world`s leader in the production and management of
primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum, and alumina combined through its active
and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the
aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, and industrial markets bringing design, engineering, production
and other capabilities of Alcoa`s businesses to customers. In addition to
aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy
extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa wheels, fastening systems,
precision and investment castings, and building systems. The company has been
named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World
Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and has been a member of the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index for seven consecutive years. More information can be found
at www.alcoa.com



Alcoa Inc.
Editorial Contact
Kevin G. Lowery, 412-553-1424
724-422-7844 (mobile)
or
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Matt Garth, 212-836-2674 



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