Aleris is extending the initial two-week idling period of its aluminium rolling mill in Lewisport, Kentucky, with a new target date of April 20 as extended shutdowns by various carmakers has disrupted the demand for aluminum products.
Aleris’ shutdown that began on March 31 was initially slated to end on March 13, but it extended it after some of the company’s automotive customers’ production showed signs of a prolonged impact from COVID-19-related shutdowns, according to Jason Saragian, director of communications.
Saragian told Davis Index that the Aleris management opted to extend the idling and the furlough of most of its Lewisport employees and automotive support staff for one more week to adjust to this disruption in demand.
The return-to-work for all staff is tentatively April 20, but there is a possibility of the date being altered given the dynamic COVID-19 policies and Aleris’ symbiotic schedule with automotive customers.
The rolling mill in Lewisport utilizes direct-chill casting technology to produce aluminum rolled sheet for a variety of industries and applications, including bare and coated coiled sheet. The $400mn project opened in late 2017.