| Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today that it plans to close its Centralia, Illinois plastic packaging operation as part of an overall optimization of its Plastics Americas pharmaceutical packaging network.
"Alcan regularly reviews its portfolio to ensure the competitiveness and long-term viability of each of its businesses," said Christel Bories, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Packaging. "This alignment of our plastics manufacturing network will consolidate our strengths towards the creation of centers of excellence within our other plants," she added.
Alcan Packaging Centralia, which produces packaging for the pharmaceutical and personal care markets, will close by March 1, 2006. The production from Centralia would be transferred to other Alcan Packaging plastics plants in North America.
"In an ongoing effort to develop our leadership position in the pharmaceutical market, we continually strive to optimize our capabilities and product offering to deliver the best value to our customers," said Michael Rubenstein, President, Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging. "As we have always done, we will move forward with care and respect for all affected employees," he added.
The closure will affect all 221 employees. Alcan has begun discussions with the unions and other employee representatives. A plan will be developed to assist employees through a variety of support programs.
With US$800 million in 2004 sales and 37 plants in 12 countries, Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging offers total packaging solutions, transforming aluminum, plastics, paper, carton board and glass into industrial and consumer-branded products.
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging. 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 well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs approximately 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.
Statements made in this press release which describe the Company's intentions, expectations or predictions may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. The Company cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty and that the Company's results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Reference should be made to the most recent Form 10-Q for a summary of major risk factors.
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