The Cleveland site produces large aluminum and titanium forgings for the defence, aerospace and industrial markets.
The press project will be completed by the end of 2011. It will involve the renovation of the 50kt press, a 92ft high machine – with four levels above and below the floor - that began production in 1955.
Cracks were discovered in the press’ base castings in August 2008. The company idled the press to assess the situation and, after consulting with experts, decided on a complete refurbishment.
Cleveland Works is the home of two large forging presses – the 50kt press under renovation and a 35kt press producing large forgings for aerospace applications, such as the aluminium bulkheads for the Joint Strike Fighter.
Alcoa plans to invest more than $110M into the works by 2011 while continuing work with its production of F35 Joint Strike Fighter components.
Segmented die technology and signature stress relief allow Alcoa to make parts that are larger, thicker and more complex than can be produced by competitors on similar-sized forging presses.
Alcoa’s investment will include more than $68M in the press rebuild, alongside $24M previously approved for other improvements associated with Joint Strike Fighter component production. The project is also supported by a package of economic development incentives from the state of Ohio, city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, village of Cuyahoga Heights and city of Independence.