June 20, 2006  Alcoa

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- June 20, 2006 -- Alcoa Inc. will receive $1.3 million in the 2007 defense appropriations bill to manufacture advanced aerospace titanium structural castings at Howmet Products and Services in Whitehall.

"The modern global threat map demands a more agile military than at any other time in its history," said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. "Alcoa's effort to integrate such an effective metal into the equipment of the Armed Forces improves its ability to effectively respond to the threats wherever in the world that they arise."

The House today passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5631) by a vote of 407 to 19. The $1.3 million will be used to support the research, development, demonstration and integration of Alcoa's Advanced Aerospace Titanium Structures.

The program will apply Alcoa's Collaborative Development Approach process to titanium intensive structures and components in key platforms, including the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F/A-22 and the V-22. Substantial cost savings can be obtained by consolidating parts, moving to more monolithic structures and applying innovative investment casting processes.

"With equivalent strength and 50 percent lighter than steel, titanium is the ideal metal for U.S. aerospace defense needs," said Michael A. Pepper, VP and general manager of Howmet Products and Services. "Howmet has demonstrated the ability to reduce cost and increase the speed of manufacturing its advanced titanium structures through cutting-edge innovation and technology."

Howmet Products and Services employs nearly 2,500 men and women in Whitehall.