Novelis announces closure of Ouro Preto aluminum smelter
Novelis has announced that it will focus its operations in Brazil on its core business of aluminium rolling and recycling. As a result of this, the company will cease operations at its Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, primary aluminum smelter at the end of 2014.
“The decision to end operations at Ouro Preto is consistent with our global strategy to build our business around sustainability – transforming from a linear business model to a closed-loop business model focused on recycled content,” said Tadeu Nardocci, senior vice president, Novelis and President, Novelis South America. “In addition, the closure is driven by systemic issues affecting the entire primary aluminum industry in Brazil impacting cost of operations and overall competitiveness.”
The Ouro Preto facility opened in 1934 and was acquired by Novelis in 1950. Currently the plant employs around 350 people and produces 18,000 metric tons of aluminium per year in the form of billets for sale to third-party extruders.
