OREANDA-NEWS. Alexander Kobenko, Deputy Head of Samara Region Government, Minister for Economic Development, investments and Trade, Samara Region, visited Alcoa plant in Samara. He joined Maxim Smirnov, Alcoa Russia President, and Mikhail Spichak, Managing Director, Alcoa SMZ and Alcoa Russia on the plant tour. Mr. Kobenko was impressed by modernization program conducted by Alcoa and implementation of the new world class technologies, which enabled expansion of the technological capabilities and capacities of its rolling mill and forging and extrusion production.

Mikhail Spichak, Managing Director, Alcoa Russia, Plant Manager, ZAO Alcoa SMZ: “Our facility has undergone a major upgrade program – Alcoa invested over 400 million dollars in equipment purchases and upgrades, as well as in Environment, Health and Safety System improvements, Alcoa Business System implementation, and employee training and development. Currently, the plant is fully aligned with the world best standards and is recognized among the leaders of the world metals industry”.

Alexander Kobenko, Deputy Head of Samara Region Government, Minister for Economic Development, investments and Trade, Samara Region: “It is good to see that Samara is the region where major foreign investors like Alcoa work. I am convinced that the development of the industrial sector in Samara region is the key to secure economic growth and quality of life in our region. The equipment and technical advancement of the facility is impressive and predetermines its high capacity load and quality of products. Product portfolio is broad and unique in many segments both in Russia and globally. I am glad that the company keeps developing and is active in creating innovative products. I am sure that this work will help Alcoa strengthen its position in the market. Our efforts towards attracting investors into the region can provide a good synergetic effect as some of them can become Alcoa’s customers. Alcoa’s success story is a good example for other large investors who consider opportunities to invest in Samara region”.

Alcoa first entered Russia in 1993. In 2005 the company acquired two fabricating facilities in Samara and Belaya Kalitva. Since 2005 Alcoa has invested over USD 800 million to upgrade its Russian facilities.

ZAO Alcoa SMZ is one of Russia’s largest producers of fabricated aluminum (commissioned in July 1960). It manufactures a wide range of flat rolled products, extrusions, and forgings of all aluminum alloys in compliance with international and Russian standards. The plant serves customers in many markets, including aerospace, shipbuilding, oil and gas, packaging, and transportation.

The plant's production and quality control systems have been ISO 9001:2008 certified and its Ecological Management system has been ISO 14001:2004 certified.