Sales for the third quarter of 2014 were $500.6 million compared with $399.9 million for the third quarter of 2013.
Shipments of primary aluminium for the third quarter of 2014 were 218,214 tonnes compared with 212,797 tonnes shipped in the third quarter of 2013.
"Global economic and capital market conditions remain volatile and somewhat uncertain," commented Michael Bless, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Markets have been buffeted by recent weakness in the euro zone economies and by continuing soft data from China; various geopolitical concerns also continue to weigh. In contrast, fundamental conditions in our markets appear robust. In primary metal, we see incremental demand outstripping planned new supply for the foreseeable future. The markets in which we participate are facing even more acute shortages in the value-added products required to serve sectors forecasting strong growth. It is in this context that we are targeting our efforts."
Mr. Bless continued, "Our operations generally performed well during the quarter. Safety performance continued to improve, though we are still running below the excellent levels reached during the last few years. Power prices in the U.S. Midwest continued their downward trend from the beginning of the year. Plant operating performance was generally good, although Hawesville continued to experience pot instability caused by the power modulations we experienced several months ago. Hawesville's performance has improved during recent weeks."
"We are excited about the pending acquisition of the remaining interest in Mt. Holly," concluded Mr. Bless. "This is an excellent plant with a superb group of employees, located in a great community. The challenge of a long-term electric power structure remains, and we will be hard at work on this critical issue over the coming months. Assuming an acceptable solution, we see Mt. Holly as being well positioned to compete in the growing market opportunities in North America. This acquisition will complement the developments at all of our operating facilities as well as the hoped for restart of our smelter in Ravenswood, WV."
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