February 22, 2014

Alcan Fort William United Kingdom

The Lochaber Smelter in Fort William, which can be one of many region’s biggest businesses, is Rio’s final operational smelter in britain. It's been functioning for almost nine years and employs 150 employees plus another 400 via supply stores, but Rio revealed in January that its functions were under strategic review. At the time the Scottish federal government stated Highlands and Islands business (HIE), which is the government’s financial and neighborhood development company for the area, had been “engaging because of the company” to know the possibility effects for the statement.

Although a bidder happens to be satisfied upon, Rio informed staff the sale just isn't a certainty and therefore, if the purchase perhaps not arrive at fruition, the firm would reexamine its options, including keeping the condition quo.

“Following an extensive overview of all choices, we've today advised our workers that individuals have actually concluded that divestment gives the most readily useful potential for a permanent and lasting future when it comes to functions, its staff members additionally the improvement economic activities around Fort William, ” explained a spokesman for Rio Tinto. “We’re continuing talks with a preferred bidder for a possible sale associated with the whole procedure.”

“Obviously, it’s a very important company for Fort William, Lochaber together with larger Highlands, ” said Fort William and Ardnamurchan councillor Brian Murphy, just who worked at the Alcan power station for more than two decades. “It’s massively important for the Brit economy, so it’s motivating understand that there’s someone thinking about purchasing the procedure, perhaps as a going issue.”

Rio Tinto’s closing of the smelter in Lynemouth, Northumberland in 2012 was translated as a “significant challenge” for the Lochaber smelter, whilst the closing interrupted “significant synergies and economies of scale” that benefited the plant, once the plant manager explained at that time.