Construction on the Cressona expansion began in September, with completion and start-up of the facility scheduled for September 2011.

"This single holder, single melter pit will be dedicated to specialty alloys. It will allow us to develop innovative new chemistries that provide enhanced features for our customers,” says Richard A. Worst, plant manager at Cressona.

Sapa is taking this expansion step to address the tightening market for aluminum billet. “We will continue to make significant investments to improve and expand our casting capacity at a time when demand for billet is increasing. Not only does this help to integrate our 16 extrusion operations in North America, it also ensures our ability to provide our customers with competitively priced products," says Sat S. Adusumilli, director of technology and capital.