CFAC press release announcing closure

by Haley Beaudry
| March 5, 2015 5:49 AM

The following announcement was sent by Columbia Falls Aluminum Company spokesman Haley Beaudry to the media on March 3, 2015 about Glencore’s decision to permanently close the CFAC smelter.

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Columbia Falls Aluminum Company, LLC (CFAC) announced today that it intends to permanently close its primary aluminum reduction plant located in Columbia Falls, Montana.

CFAC further announced that as part of the closure process, and due to the specialized nature of aluminum production facilities, it intends to arrange for the demolition of certain structures comprising the plant.

After more than five years of complete production curtailment, CFAC has made the decision to move on to the next phase of managing the property.

Prior to curtailment of operations in October 2009, the CFAC facilities had been operating nearly continuously, under various owners, since 1955. During that time, the plant was a major part of the social and economic fabric of both the community for which it is named and the greater State of Montana.

Market forces, including raw materials costs, worldwide competition from more modern facilities and continuing depressed aluminum prices have combined to force CFAC to make the hard decision to permanently close the operation.

While this decision marks the end of aluminum production in Montana, it also paves the way for the possibility of finding alternative uses for the strategic property.

The decision by CFAC to permanently close was a difficult one, but after deep consideration, management is confident it is in the best interests of the community. This is the next step in making the property productive once again, and CFAC remains open and committed to procuring redevelopment interest.

CFAC is committed to complying with all applicable laws, rules and regulations during the closure and demolition process, including those relating to health, safety and the environment. We look forward to working through this next chapter in as timely a manner as possible and helping to bring new industry to Columbia Falls.