Nov 10 2005
Alcan has announced that it is investing CAN$2.1 million in a share of a new university laboratory for integrated research into aluminum products and processes at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC). The laboratory will require a total investment of CAN$9.4 million, and other local partners are pledging their individual commitments.
"We are very proud to contribute to the creation of this laboratory, which reinforces the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region’s position as a centre of excellence in aluminum research," said Cynthia Carroll, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Primary Metal Group. "The laboratory’s activities will complement those already in operation at the Arvida Research and Development Centre (ARDC) and the Aluminum Technology Centre (ATC), reinforcing the Quebec and Canadian aluminum industry’s competitive edge."
The laboratory will focus on research into activities that complement those at ARDC and ATC, namely metal/new product fabrication by forging and assembly, and bauxite processing.
"This new infrastructure and equipment at UQAC is important as it will optimize and leverage research efforts between the university and Alcan. The new laboratory will allow the Company to further enhance Bayer process efficiencies in solid liquid separation and residue disposal, which is aligned with Alcan's sustainability business model," added Jacynthe Côté, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Bauxite and Alumina.
The laboratory will be completed by the fourth quarter 2006.
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing, today’s Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs almost 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.
http://www.alcan.com/