Century Aluminum Announces Restart of Hawesville, KY Potline

Century Aluminum (NASDAQ:CENX) reports that it plans to re-start one of their smelters in Hawesville, KY.

The press release is quoted as saying:

The Hawesville smelter has a rated capacity of approximately 250,000 tonnes of primary aluminum annually from five potlines. As a consequence of the cost structure of the plant and depressed aluminum prices, one of the five potlines was curtailed in March 2009. Restarting the idled potline is expected to increase primary aluminum production by approximately 4,370 tonnes per month. To support the increase in production, Century of Kentucky plans to add approximately 100 new positions through recall and new hiring. The process of restarting the potline is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2011.

Matt Powell, Vice President of the Company says:

“Bringing the Hawesville smelter back to full operating capacity will improve our competitiveness and help sustain continued operations.”

To access the full release, click here.