Rio Tinto Alcan plans to invest US$7.6 million in its Beauharnois, Quebec facility to maintain casting production to serve its primary foundry market customers. Construction work and other preparations are underway, and additional capacity could be online as early as this spring.

“Rio Tinto is a leader in the supply of primary aluminium alloys to the North American casting sector. This investment will maintain our previous production levels at Beauharnois without interruption, and serve our foundry small form customers over the long term,” said Gordon Hamilton, vice president, Metal Management Sales & Marketing, Rio Tinto Alcan. “We remain well positioned to continue our leadership in the North American market and develop innovative casting products to serve our clients.”

The collaboration between Rio Tinto Alcan’s research and development centres, employees, clients, and partners will help the Beauharnois facility offer uninterrupted service to its customers and draw from its technical expertise and strong supply network during the transition. The facility ceased its smelting operations in spring 2009 but has continued its casting activities. The renovated centre will employ approximately 35 people.

Aluminium castings are used to help reduce the environmental impact of various products for the automotive, aerospace, and transportation industries. Lightweighting in particular is an important strategy for producing greener, more fuel efficient vehicles and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Strong, light material such as aluminium is a vital component to this process.