Alcoa Inc. (The Aluminum Company of America) was founded in 1866 by Charles Martin Hall after he discovered the process for smelting aluminum. This process is still the only known process for making aluminum. The new company was called the Pittsburgh Reduction Company.
By 1903 the company was manufacturing aluminum at three sites and was the only legal producer of aluminum in the United States. The company faced competition only from foreign producers, who were subject to high tariffs.
From 1938 to 1940 Alcoa was involved in a trial with the U.S. government concerning its monopolistic hold on the aluminum industry. Alcoa was ordered to break up. World War II meant an increased demand for aluminum, one that Alcoa was unable to fill. The U.S. government built two plants which were operated by Alcoa. After the war, the U.S. government sold these two plants to new rivals.
During the 1970’s, with smelting increasing in cost, Alcoa began to look for alternatives, settling on recycling. By 1979 the company was reprocessing 110 million pounds of scrap aluminum and by 1985, 500 million pounds.
Today Alcoa is the world’s third largest producer of aluminum and conducts operations in 31 countries. It is involved in all aspects of the industry: technology, mining, refining, smelting, fabricating, and recycling.
Alcoa’s products are used in aircraft, automobile, commercial transportation, packaging, building, and construction, defense, industrial, and oil and gas worldwide. The company has over 60,000 employees and had $25.9 billion in revenue in 2011.
Alcoa Inc.Alcoa Inc. (The Aluminum Company of America) was founded in 1866 by Charles Martin Hall after he discovered the process for smelting aluminum. This process is still the only known process for making aluminum. The new company was called the Pittsburgh Reduction Company.
By 1903 the company was manufacturing aluminum at three sites and was the only legal producer of aluminum in the United States. The company faced competition only from foreign producers, who were subject to high tariffs.
From 1938 to 1940 Alcoa was involved in a trial with the U.S. government concerning its monopolistic hold on the aluminum industry. Alcoa was ordered to break up. World War II meant an increased demand for aluminum, one that Alcoa was unable to fill. The U.S. government built two plants which were operated by Alcoa. After the war, the U.S. government sold these two plants to new rivals.
History
During the 1970’s, with smelting increasing in cost, Alcoa began to look for alternatives, settling on recycling. By 1979 the company was reprocessing 110 million pounds of scrap aluminum and by 1985, 500 million pounds.
Today Alcoa is the world’s third largest producer of aluminum and conducts operations in 31 countries. It is involved in all aspects of the industry: technology, mining, refining, smelting, fabricating, and recycling.
Alcoa’s products are used in aircraft, automobile, commercial transportation, packaging, building, and construction, defense, industrial, and oil and gas worldwide. The company has over 60,000 employees and had $25.9 billion in revenue in 2011.
I also have a complaint concerning the Alcoa trim on the outside of my home. The house was built in 2007 and two years ago the white coating started peeling off the aluminum. Within two years almost all the white coating is gone and it is unsightly. I have contacted a contractor to replace the trim at a cost of $3000.00
This is something that your company should guarantee and replace. This product only lasted 10 years. Alcoa should be ashamed to even sell this product.
My contractor installed some Alcoa PVC trim coil (white) when I had my windows replaced a few years ago. The paint is peeling off the trim and is making the front of my house look terrible. I called the contractor and he said Alcoa doesn’t warranty this trim. WHAT? I’m sorry, but that just isn’t acceptable! I need this defective trim replaced at no cost to me. I’m almost 70 years old, single, and am supporting a mentally handicapped daughter. I can not afford to pay to replace your defective trim. Will you please contact me so we can work out solution to this problem? Thank you very much. My cell number is 770-314-XXXXX.
I have not seen an explanation of your recent stock reverse split and name change. Would appreciare same so I can read it for myself.
thanks . Lynn Thompson
I will be teaching a senior education course at Carnegie Mellon early next year. Can you
make any audio visual info available regarding ALCOA – – the founding – – development – –
current status?
By the way, I was Communications Director for ALCOA BUILDING PRODUCTS for more
than 25 years (if that maes any difference)! Thanks for your attention.
Harry Choder
I would like a contact name and email for your Retirement Benefit’s person to learn more about updating my retirement benefits account. I am an ex-Tenneco employee. Tenneco was purchased by Pactiv Corporation in 1999; then Reynolds Group Holding purchased Pactiv; then, Alco purchased Reynolds Group in June 2000. Thanks
Dear Alcoa,
I am seeking some input by anyone deemed an Alcoa Historian. I am a Project Manager for Skanska USA Building. Skanska is one of the largest construction firms in the world and our Metro Office Headquarters is in the Empire State Building the 32nd floor.
We are currently engaged in in a project that is designed to replace all of the glazing in the Mooring Mast. With 11 stories of glazing that is on all four elevations this is one of the most Iconic projects in NYC if not the most Iconic. While inside the mast I noticed that the cast aluminum “Wings” of the mast were manufactured by Alcoa when the building was built some 85 years ago. I have a photo of that casting identification and would share it with anyone who would like to see it.
However, Given the age of of the structure and some history you have provided I am assuming that Alcoa either extruded or tooled the aluminum framing for the “curtain wall” within the mooring mast. C.E. Halbeck & Co. Must have been Alcoa’s customer.
What is interesting is that Kawneer/ Traco are now involved with extruding some exterior moldings to replace the old existing moldings. (exterior only) We did find out that the aluminum is 96% pure aluminum. The new will be a standard alloy and temper.
If anyone in Alcoa is interested in contacting me about this project, I think its pretty significant that Alcoa is once again involved in the restoration of this historical bulilding and Iconic project
You may e-mail me or you can also call 1-917-438-**** to my direct desk phone or you may also call my cell number 1-908-229-****.
I will be happy to have Alcoa engaged in this and to be as excited as Traco is and Kawneer
I note that you have a NYC Corporate Office and wish to extend Alcoa an invitation to visit and see the materials I am speaking of. I would be happy to host a visit upon your request..
Best regards,
William (Bill) Munro
William before you speak of something please educate yourself further. When you have done your research a bit more than perhaps it would be best to come back then post an appropriate question. Until then please do yourself and everyone else a favor and stay off of this thread.
good day !
Sir / Madam ,
if ever I have a slot in your good company and management , after my finish of my contract , I would like to contain new my job to your good company it.
thank very much,
generoso lontao jr,