Alcoa announced it will curtail an additional 350,000 metric tons per year (mtpy) of aluminum production beginning immediately. Alcoa cut back production at its Rockdale, Texas, smelter in October. The company’s combined curtailment efforts in the second half of 2008 total 15% of annualized output, or 615,000 mtpy. Partial potline curtailments will include smelters in Ferndale, Wash., and Baie Comeau, Quebec. The additional reductions are necessary due to lower market demand and global economic conditions and follow targeted cost-reduction initiatives.

The Quebec curtailment will be implemented as part of the previously announced modernization program at the plant. Alcoa’s new annualized smelting production rate is approximately 3.5 million mtpy, with approximately 1 million mtpy idled. Adjustments to the company’s alumina refining production will be made accordingly.