Alcoa CEO Klaus Kleinfeld and U.S. Senator Charles Schumer Celebrate Restart of Massena Plant

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) Chairman and CEO Klaus Kleinfeld and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer celebrated the restart of Alcoa’s East Plant today in Massena, NY, supervising a ceremonial pouring of first metal from the smelter. Kleinfeld also announced a new partnership with Clarkson University to promote education in the community.

"Today we are celebrating another milestone in the long history between Alcoa and the Massena community,” Kleinfeld said. "This restart is an example of how government and a corporation can work together to help secure jobs in the North Country. We are grateful for the support of Senator Schumer and proud to have him join us today. And we deeply appreciate all the efforts of the Governor’s office, the New York Power Authority and all of the other local, state and federal leaders who helped make today possible.”

The Massena East plant has the capacity to produce 125,000 metric tons of aluminum annually. The restart began on March 1 and included the rehiring or hiring of 120 employees.

"After a recession-induced hiatus, Alcoa is re-emerging stronger than ever -- and not a moment too soon for the 120 workers who will soon be back on the job at this North Country industrial powerhouse,” Sen. Schumer said. "I am ecstatic to be part of today's celebration. The restart of Alcoa's East Plant is great news for Massena, St. Lawrence County and the American economy. Alcoa is fundamental to the region's economy and restarting this facility means that brighter days are ahead. I will assist Alcoa and the community in any way I am able and look forward to continued job expansion at this plant.”

To reinforce Alcoa’s commitment to the community, Kleinfeld presented Clarkson University President Tony Collins with a $56,400 Alcoa Foundation grant to support the Alcoa Fellows Program at Clarkson. The Alcoa Fellows will assist local teachers in delivering cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum to help develop the leaders of tomorrow.

Kleinfeld was joined by Global Primary Products Group President John Thuestad, and U.S. Global Primary Products President Bob Wilt. In addition to the celebration event he toured both plants and met with employees and members of the community.

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry, Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately 75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.