Alcoa Celebrates Official Opening of Its First Manufacturing Facility in Bulgaria; Completes First Community Enhancement Project

The 12,000-square meter facility, reconstructed on the site of an abandoned industrial park, is expected to employ approximately 200 people.

29/09/06 Alcoa today officially celebrated its move into its 44th country with the company’s first plant in Bulgaria now fully operational. The plant, part of the Alcoa Consumer Products business, produces household wrap products, including foil, film and disposal bags under the Reynolds brand and Baco brand names for the retail markets in the U.K., Europe and the Middle East. The 12,000-square meter facility, reconstructed on the site of an abandoned industrial park, is expected to employ approximately 200 people.

Concurrently, Alcoa announced the completion of its first community project -- the renovation of a pedestrian underpass with motorized handicapped lifts under the major connecting highway between Sofia and the Black Sea ports. This location has previously been the scene of numerous pedestrian-automotive accidents and fatalities.

"A guiding principle of Alcoa is to become involved in each of the communities Alcoa is represented in,” said Eric Beringause, President of Alcoa Consumer Products. “We are excited about the transformation of the property we developed into a showcase manufacturing system. At the same time we are equally, if not more, proud of the transformation we made of the previously closed pedestrian subway and the contribution it provides to a safer community for all residents, including people with infirmities and disabilities, as they cross one of Bulgaria’s busiest roadways.”

James Debney, Managing Director of Baco Consumer Products and Alcoa Packaging Bulgaria, added, “This newest manufacturing center and Alcoa’s entry into its 44th country, shows the extent that partnerships between business and community can help build a healthy, thriving, and safe work environment while adding significantly to the employment base. We are very proud that our entire construction effort has been carried out by local contractors and are looking forward to continue building our relationships with the local community in the years to come.”