Construction News

23/11/2016

GFG Alliance Acquires Fort William Aluminum Smelter

GFG Alliance has purchased Rio Tinto's aluminium smelter in Fort William.

The sale of the facility, which employs around 170 people, was welcomed by Council leaders.

Mining and metals company Rio Tinto had announced in January that it was reviewing its assets in Lochaber.

Council Leader Margaret Davidson said: "I am very pleased that today’s announcement ends a period of uncertainty over the future of this important asset which is the UK’s last aluminium smelter. I look forward to working with GFG Group to support their plans to take the operation forward, retain these important jobs and potentially create further employment opportunities in Fort William."

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Cllr Thomas MacLennan added: "The smelter has been in Fort William for nearly 100 years; let’s hope that this news today leads to an expansion of the site and a lot more local jobs. In uncertain times it’s great to give people stability to plan for the future."

(LM/MH)

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