Alcan to Invest in Growing Australia and New Zealand wine Closure Market

Montreal, Canada — Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today its intention to establish a production facility in Adelaide, Australia for Stelvin wine screw caps. This is part of Alcan Packaging’s strategy to develop its geographic footprint in growing markets and to be closer to its customers.

Montreal, Canada — Alcan Inc. (NYSE, TSX: AL) announced today its intention to establish a production facility in Adelaide, Australia for Stelvin wine screw caps. This is part of Alcan Packaging’s strategy to develop its geographic footprint in growing markets and to be closer to its customers. "The Australian and New Zealand wine markets offer tremendous growth opportunities for our closure business," said Christel Bories, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Packaging. "Alcan Packaging has established a leading position for caps and overcaps in the wine and spirit markets. Our leadership has been built on innovative and high quality products, such as Stelvin, already considered the screw cap of choice. This investment in Australia will strengthen our worldwide position," she added. The new facility will be dedicated to the production of high value-added Stelvin screw caps. The plant, which will have “state-of-the art” production equipment, should begin production in the 4th quarter of 2005. Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. 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 services. Alcan employs 70,000 people and has operating facilities in 55 countries and regions.