Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter Celebrates Its 50th Year

Still alight and allumé at 50, the Alcoa Baie-Comeau smelter rolled out the blue carpet for VIP guests in honor of its plant's half century anniversary, according to a press release on CNW/Telebec, September 6, 2007.

While the entire City of Baie-Comeau grooves to the beat of festivities marking the 50th anniversary of the Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter, the smelter itself is enjoying the privilege of welcoming numerous distinguished guests from Québec, the rest of Canada and the United States.

In fact, more than 200 partners, clients and suppliers are converging at the plant for a special visit of its installations.

Among the dignitaries also attending are the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife, Claude Béchard, the Reeve of the RCM of Manicouagan, Georges-Henri Gagné, the Mayor of Baie-Comeau, Ivo Di Piazza, the MLA from René-Lévesque in the National Assembly, Marjolain Dufour, and the MP from Manicouagan in the House of Commons, Gérard Asselin.

On the Alcoa side, we herald the presence of senior Alcoa executives, and in particular, Klaus Kleinfeld, newly-appointed President and Chief Operating Officer.

The visit will take in the plant's key sectors: the Söderberg rooms, the prebake rooms, the maintenance workshops and the smelter.

The guests will attend a special casting at the smelter along with an unveiling of the sculpture specially designed for the plant's 50th anniversary. Entitled "The Faces of Time", this sculpture, in aluminum naturally, is an original work by Doris Clavette, a plant employee and experienced artist, who was skilfully assisted by his work colleagues.

This sculpture was designed as an homage to the women and men who worked at the plant in the past, present and future. An evening gala at Hôtel Le Manoir will crown this emotionally charged day.

"The year 2007 is a historic milestone for the Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter and we are proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary in the company of our many partners who, each in their own way, are associated with our company's success," stated Pierre Morin, General Manager of the Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter. "Our smelter represents an important economic engine for the entire region, thanks in large part to more than 10,600 workers in every field who, like the original builders, were able to meet the challenges that arose over the past fifty years - with flying colours. We are launching into this second half century with our eyes resolutely turned to the future."

The festivities are continuing with activities for the plant personnel and their families, retired employees and the whole community as well. The September 8-9 weekend will be especially exciting, and a series of events including shows for the people of the community will bring Parc des Pionniers alive with fun for everyone.

About the Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter
The Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter employs a team of 1,700 people and produces more than 437,000 metric tons of aluminum annually. It is held by Alcoa, which deploys 122,000 employees in 44 countries. The plant went into production in 1957 and ever since, it has contributed to the growth and vitality of Baie-Comeau and the Manicouagan region, where it is proud to have put down roots and where it intends to remain for a very long time to come.

Media Contact:
Gilles Chassé,
Director of Communications
Alcoa Baie-Comeau Smelter,
(418)296-7051,
gilles.chasse@alcoa.com

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