Rio Tinto Alcan Sells Automotive Die-Casting Activity in Slovenia
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Rio Tinto Alcan, Nov. 5 - Rio Tinto Alcan announced today that it has sold its share in two aluminium die-casting operations in Slovenia: wholly-owned Alcan Koper d.o.o., and Alcan Tomos d.o.o., of which Rio Tinto Alcan owned 67 percent. The Alcan Tomos facility produces aluminium die-castings for the European automotive industry which are distributed to customers through the Alcan Koper office. Both operations have been sold to Slovenia-based Hidria Rotomatika d.o.o. Details of the transaction were not
disclosed.
Alcan Koper d.o.o is a distribution operation that provides aluminium die-castings for the European automotive industry. All the casting products distributed from Alcan Koper d.o.o. are produced at the Alcan Tomos d.o.o. facility.
"Over a year ago Alcan began a strategic review of the die-casting activity. After evaluating all options, it was determined that the size and potential of this activity is no longer consistent with our Engineered Products' portfolio of businesses focused on sustainable growth. I am glad that we were able to secure a future for this activity," said Christel Bories, President and Chief Executive Officer, Engineered Products, Rio Tinto Alcan. Hidria is a well-known supplier in the industry and will continue to serve customers in a very professional manner," she added.
"This decision underlines our commitment to focus our efforts not only on producing components, but more so on developing innovative lightweight solutions for fast-growing segments in the automotive and transport industry," said Wolfgang Schmitz, President of Rio Tinto Alcan's Engineered and Automotive Solutions. "Our aluminium product offerings, from crash management systems and suspension applications to composites modules, effectively support global customers in striving for CO2 reductions through lower weight vehicles," he added.
Iztok Seljak, Vice-President of Hidria Corporation stated: "As a part of its focused strategy, Hidria is becoming a European leader in automotive components for steering and powertrain, among which, sophisticated high-pressure die-casted and machined aluminium parts are playing an important role. This acquisition is consistent with our strategy and provides additional precious human, technological and other resources for further strengthening our leading position."
Rio Tinto Alcan Casting employs approximately 170 people and had 2006 revenues of US$20 million.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading international mining group headquartered in the UK, combining Rio Tinto plc, a London listed company, and Rio Tinto Limited, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
Rio Tinto's business is finding, mining, and processing mineral resources. Major products are aluminium, copper, diamonds, energy (coal and uranium), gold, industrial minerals (borax, titanium dioxide, salt, talc) and iron ore. Activities span the world but are strongly represented in Australia and North America with significant businesses in South America, Asia, Europe and southern Africa.
For further information: Rio Tinto Alcan Media Relations
Paris:
Chrystele Ivins
+33-1-57-00-24-18
chrystele.ivins@alcan.com
Rio Tinto Alcan
Media Relations
Montreal:
Bryan Tucker
+1 514 848 8151
media.relations@alcan.com
questions@riotinto.com
www.riotinto.com
