Alcoa opened its expanded wheels manufacturing plant in Hungary. The larger facility doubles the company’s capacity to produce its Dura-Bright EVO surface-treated wheels compared to 2014 production levels. The $13 million expansion will enable Alcoa to meet growing European demand for its lightweight, low-maintenance aluminum truck wheels. The project will also create 35 new full-time jobs.

Alcoa’s alumina refinery in San Ciprian (Lugo, Spain) officially transitioned from fuel oil to natural gas following the completion of a new gas pipeline. The $25 million investment to convert the refinery to natural gas is consistent with the company’s strategy to create a lower-cost, globally competitive alumina business. The refinery’s transition to natural gas also enables Alcoa to reduce the facility’s CO2 by 30%.