After over 50 years of production at Point Henry, near Geelong, Alcoa's aluminium can plant is set to close this week.
The closing of the aluminium rolling mill which makes the ends and tabs for aluminium cans was announced in February and will see the loss of 250 jobs at the site.
At the time of the original announcement Alan Cransberg, Managing Director, Alcoa of Australia, said: “We understand how difficult this is for our employees and their families, our contractors, suppliers and community partners. Everyone has worked hard to improve the competitiveness of the smelter and rolling business. They are part of a proud history of Alcoa in Australia over the last 50 years and part of the significant contributions we have made to the Australian economy and local communities.”
In February 2012 the adjoining Point Henry smelter was placed under strategic review and closed in July leaving about 500 workers without a job.
According to Alcoa, the Portland Aluminium smelter in Victoria will continue normal operations, as will Alcoa of Australia’s bauxite mining and alumina refining operations in Western Australia.
