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Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. Considering Layoffs

By Beacon Staff

The Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. announced Friday it’s considering reducing production at its smelter by as much as two-thirds.

Executives have notified union leaders at the Aluminum Workers Trade Council that it may have to lay off workers sometime in July.

Haley Beaudry, the company’s external affairs manager, couldn’t say how many employees might be laid off. The Aluminum Workers Trade Council has more than 225 members.

The notice to union leaders said the company is considering shutting down two of the three potlines currently in operation at the plant.

The company says the cutbacks are being considered because of the high cost of energy and raw materials, along with the stagnant worldwide price of aluminum.