Alcoa on Tuesday announced a three and half year deal to keep its smelter in Massena open, and increase its competitiveness. The agreement reduces layoffs at the plant to about 80, according to a spokesman.
In a statement, the company said the agreement with New York State will help maintain “hundreds of jobs” — approximately 600 - in the North Country. It will also support growth at the company’s sister operation in Massena, the cast house.
CEO Klaus Kleinfeld says the company remains focused on its “upstream” operations. But the agreement today helps positions the smelter, known as the oldest operating smelter in the country, “in light of prevailing market conditions.”
Speaking at the plant Tuesday morning, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the package from New York State includes $30 million worth of electrical power, and another $38 million investment in the plant form Empire State Development. It also spells out a $40 million dollar penalty for Alcoa if employment at the plant drops below 600 before March 2019.
U.S. Sen Chuck Schumer said he’s counting on keeping jobs in Massena for generations: “We will not let this plant go,” he said, even when the three and a half years is up.