Alcan to Re-Focus its Fabrication Technology Sites 2002/09/23

Montreal, Canada — Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today its intention to re-organize its global fabrication technology sites. This move will more closely align the Research and Development activities with the operating business groups, enabling Alcan to continue developing technology in the most cost-effective manner. The Company will focus its R&D serving the fabrication businesses into two locations: Kingston, Canada and Neuhausen, Switzerland. This will result in the closure of the Banbury, U.K., R&D facility. The Company will keep its leading R&D know-how and capability, maintaining the same level of technology programs, with a reduction in overhead costs. The activities currently carried out at Banbury will be transferred to Kingston and Neuhausen. Serious efforts will be made to relocate leading research staff to these R&D facilities and to secure alternative employment for those remaining in the U.K. "Long term product and process innovation is critical to Alcan's future," said Travis Engen, President and CEO. "This program will give our R&D facilities increased critical mass and ensure our leading technological capability and support is provided to Alcan businesses and customers in a more cost effective way." Alcan's leading technology capability from R&D centres and plants provides innovative products and solutions for customers in markets such as automotive, mass transport, architecture and packaging. Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and specialty packaging with 2001 revenues of US$12.6 billion. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 48,000 people and has operating facilities in 38 countries. -30- Media Contact: Marc Osborne +1 (514) 848 1342 Joan Chesney 01895 21 3272 Investor Contact: Jo-Ann Longworth +1 (514) 848 8368

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