Alcoa will permanently close its alumina refinery in Point Comfort, Texas, after idling it in June 2016.
The site, which had an annual alumina capacity of 2.3mn metric tonnes/yr, is part of Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals Group that is 60pc owned by Alcoa and 40pc owned by Alumina Limited.
Alcoa said in October it was reviewing its global production capacities to drive down costs and boost profitability. The review included 4mn t/yr of alumina capacity, about 27pc of Alcoa's total global refining capacity.
Alcoa will record about $175mn of restructuring charges in the fourth quarter related to the closure.
Approximately 45 employees work at Point Comfort, a number that will be reduced as part of the closure. Any remaining personnel will manage the demolition, decommissioning and remediation of the site for potential redevelopment, Alcoa said.
By Jeremy Rakes
