Century Aluminum hopes to restart W.Va. plant

 

 

Century CEO Michael Bless says conditions are favorable to restart the Ravenswood plant. He cites discussions with union, state, utility and regulatory representatives and recent improvements in the aluminum market outlook.

 

 

The Charleston Daily Mail (http://bit.ly/zBl2sA ) reports that Bless discussed the plant Thursday during a conference call with shareholders and industry analysts. He says reopening the plant is a top priority for 2012.

 

 

Century Aluminum closed the plant in 2009 and laid off more than 600 workers. The company ended health care benefits for retirees in December 2010.

 

 

Bless says it would cost $70 million to restart the plant this year.