Alba invests $100m in pot line ventilation

　　Alba has invested nearly $100 million in providing new air ventilation louvres for two of its pot lines.

　　The company said the new investment underlined its commitment to achieve zero harm across the plant.

　　The air ventilation louvre project was started last year as part of an initiative to improve work conditions for employees on a regular basis.

　　It aims at increasing productivity and enhancing performance levels.

　　"Our employees are our most valuable assets since it is primarily through their hard work that Alba today is one of the world's leading aluminium smelters," said chief executive Laurent Schmitt.

　　"Hence, the safety of our employees and improving of their work environment remains a continued focus as well as a priority.

　　"With smoother air circulation and cooler work conditions made possible, the new air ventilation louvres are expected to play a key role in boosting performance levels.

　　"The air ventilation louvres will basically operate as heat evacuation mechanisms that will allow fresh air to enter the shop floor leading to cooling down of surrounding temperatures," he said.

　　"It will benefit operators working in the north side of the pot lines who are involved in activities like anode changing and pot maintenance.

　　"It has been further designed to close in winter and open in summer and thereby provide increased flexibility to Alba's employees," he added.