Alcoa Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa., www.alcoa.com) the world’s third largest supplier of aluminum, is funneling major investment in France as it builds three new Kawneer facilities in Vendargues, just outside Montpellier. Kawneer manufactures architectural aluminum for the commercial construction industry and is part of Alcoa’s global Building and Construction Systems (BCS) business unit. The new logistics and industrial site will host the International Center of Product Development, a research and development unit dedicated to increasing aluminum product output and storage capacity needs. In 2012, Kawneer France’s turnover amounted to approximately $95 million. The company currently employs 250 people in France and will create an additional 50 jobs when the new sites open in 2016.
Alcoa to build new R&D facility in France
| By Mary Page Bailey