Kitimat, British Columbia — Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today that it is partnering with the KT Industrial Development Society (KTIDS) and the Haisla Business Development Corporation to launch a Regional Industrial Development (RID) Centre for Northwest British Columbia. The first of its kind, the centre was established to help facilitate the region’s economic growth.
"We are proud to be a catalyst, facilitator, and partner in the process of regional economic and industrial development in the Kitimat-Terrace region and Northwest British Columbia," said Cynthia Carroll, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Primary Metal Group. "By providing dedicated resources and a structured approach, we can help, with the Haisla nation, local business people and interested stakeholders, to develop projects that create rewarding jobs and sustainable wealth for the communities."
To support the center, Alcan has drawn on its own expertise in RID and solicited support from its suppliers and customers.
"The Kitimat region has a lot of potential. The approach is designed to develop sound business, and practical solutions to economic growth. We are just beginning to realize our vast potential and we are creating partnerships like the ones announced today to facilitate a proactive approach to business and capacity development. These partnerships are truly win-win-win solutions where the net benefit is to the community as a whole", said Chief Steve Wilson of the Haisla First Nation.
Alcan and its partners in Kitimat-Terrace have adopted a structured approach to RID efforts in Northwest British Columbia. The Centre will be housed in the Kitimat Valley Institute on Kitimat’s Alexander Avenue and fits well with the Institute’s focus on becoming the regional leader in human resource training and development.
"The new Regional Industrial Development Centre is innovative and will help enormously to focus our efforts in the promotion of our region to investors and entrepreneurs. We are very enthusiastic to work with the Haisla nation, Alcan and all stakeholders in the region’s economic development," said Robin Lapointe, President of KTIDS
Subsequently, Alcan has also announced three other economic initiatives with various businesses and partners in the region:
- Alcan, Triton and the Cheslatta have entered into an arrangement to test prototype underwater logging equipment in the Nechako Reservoir. If successful, it may result in a significant sustainable business opportunity in the region while, at the same time, addressing environment and safety concerns caused by submerged timber in the reservoir;
- Wayfare Identifiers Inc. and Alcan signed a two year start-up Memorandum of Understanding whereby Alcan will provide aluminum material for the development and pilot tests of WayFare’s patented cargo security system and the potential establishment of a manufacturing plant in Northwest British Columbia;
- Pacific BioEnergy Corporation, Alcan, KTIDS, and the Haisla First Nation have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of bringing a new wood pellet operation for clean fuel for large industrial customers to Northwest British Columbia.
In addition to these initiatives, KTIDS and the Haisla Nation and Alcan are working closely with other stakeholders to develop RID strategies and facilitate new Teconomic development opportunities in Northwest British Columbia.
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.
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Media Contact:
Colleen Nyce
Tel.: +1-250-639-8760
colleen.nyce@alcan.com
KTIDS Contact:
Robin Lapointe
Tel.: +1-250-639-9252
ktids@telus.net
Investor Contact:
Corey Copeland
Tel.: +1-514-848-8368
investor.relations@alcan.com
Haisla Nation Council Contact:
Steve Wilson, Chief Councillor
Tel.: +1-250-632-1070
stevewilson@uniserve.com
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