Alcan Aluminium Limited

Alcan Aluminium Limited, with head offices in Montréal, is a multinational enterprise engaged, through subsidiary and related companies, in all major segments of the ALUMINUM business, including bauxite mining, alumina refining and aluminum smelting and fabricating. In 1902 the Northern Aluminium Company was incorporated in Shawinigan Falls, Québec, as a Canadian subsidiary of the Aluminum Company of America. In 1925 it became the Aluminium Company of Canada, Ltd. In 1928 it became a corporation by acquiring all outstanding stock from its parent, and eventually emerged as a major competitor to the Aluminum Company of America. The present name was adopted in 1966.

Alcan is one of the largest aluminum producers outside the former Soviet Union. In Canada, where the bulk of its aluminum smelting capacity is located, the company generates a significant share of its electricity requirements from its own hydroelectric facilities. This relatively low cost energy source enables Alcan to rank as one of the lowest cost aluminum producers. In 1995, Alcan had sales of $9.2 billion (US), assets of $9.7 billion (US) and 39 000 employees (13 000 in Canada). Shares are broadly held and foreign ownership stands at 45%. The company has offices and operations in 30 countries.

Author DEBORAH C. SAWYER

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Rio Tinto Alcan
A brief history of Alcan from the website of the current owners Rio Tinto Alcan, one of the world's largest producers of bauxite, alumina, and aluminium.

Rio Tinto to invest US$2.7 billion to complete the modernisation of the Kitimat aluminium smelter in Canada
A news story about Rio Tinto's plan to modernise its aluminium smelter in Kitimat, BC. Click on the link above the story for a video clip depicting the company's history in British Columbia.