Flat Rolled Aluminum Producer to Shut Down St. Louis, Missouri Plant

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mount Holly, S.C.-headquartered JW Aluminum- a leading producer of flat rolled aluminium products, announced its decision to close its aluminium foil plant located in St. Louis, Missouri by end of May this year. The decision is feared to affect 190 jobs.

The company blamed China’s unfair trade practices and excessive dumping of foil products as the reasons for the plant closure. It noted that the Chinese imports, which had accounted for only less than 1% in 2004, have now grown rapidly to almost 25%. It must be noted that JW Aluminum had acquired the St. Louis foil-making facility from Alcoa Corporation in 2004.

Commenting on the decision, Lee McCarter, Chief Executive Officer at JW Aluminum noted that the decision is being taken with great regret, as the company is fully aware of the impact it will have on its employees and their families. The company is working to provide best possible result under the challenging environment. JW Aluminum is committed to support its employees through this difficult time, McCarter added.

ALSO READ: JW Aluminum Eyes Significant Increase in Scrap Consumption

The closure is part of its strategy to streamline its entire operations. Furthermore, this will help the company to maintain a healthy and robust manufacturing presence in the decades to come.