Rio Tinto Alcan inaugurated its $1.1 billion Arvida Aluminium Smelter, AP60 Technology Centre, in Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec. The new plant has an installed capacity of 60,000-metric-tons/year of aluminum and, according to the company, is the most technologically advanced aluminum smelter in the world. The new AP60 technology platform will allow for the development of a series of next-generation technologies, permitting further improvements in productivity and reductions in energy and environmental footprint. The smelter itself will produce 40% more aluminum per cell than the previous generation of AP technology. The plant employs approximately 135 workers and reached full capacity in December 2013. Rio Tinto Alcan's Arvida Research & Development Centre will continue supporting the new smelter and the further development of the AP60 technology platform.