Alcoa announced plans to restart idled potlines at three aluminum smelters in the United States, creating approximately 260 new jobs through recall and hiring. The restarted facilities will increase Alcoa’s aluminum production by 137,000 metric tons over the course of 2011 and by 200,000 metric tons on an annual basis thereafter. Capacity will be restarted at the Massena East facility in Massena, N.Y.; Wenatchee Works in Malaga, Wash.; and Intalco in Ferndale, Wash.

The restarts, which allow Alcoa to take advantage of low-cost power options, are occurring now to help Alcoa meet anticipated growth in aluminum demand and to meet obligations outlined in power agreements with energy providers. Power rates at Wenatchee and Massena, where long-term contracts have been secured, are about 40% below worldwide averages. All the restarts will be powered by sustainable, renewable hydropower.