BEIJING & NEW YORK--A significant milestone was reached today for Alcoa's (NYSE:AA) growth in China with the inauguration of Alcoa Bohai sheet business at its plant in Qinhuangdao, China. Alcoa China now has the capacity to produce the highest quality aluminum sheet for the printing, transportation, electronics and packaging industries.

During the inauguration ceremony that took place at the Bohai plant in Qinhuangdao, Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “I strongly believe that with state-of-the-art global technical support, Alcoa processes and quality control systems, outstanding equipment and our seasoned work force, Alcoa Bohai will produce high quality products that will bring significant benefit and value to our customers.” Kleinfeld added, “Since this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 30th anniversary of China’s reform, we believe that this is a good time to be launching this important Alcoa business.”

Mr. Ma Yu Feng, the Deputy Executive Mayor of Qinhuangdao Municipal City expressed his confidence in Alcoa during the ceremony, “Evidence shows that in 2005 Alcoa’s decision to invest in Qinhuangdao city was correct. I believe that Alcoa Bohai will maintain its sustainable development in our city. In the meantime, we hope Alcoa and Mr. Kleinfeld continue to strengthen the cooperation with Qinhuangdao and, therefore, make it the closest partner and most reliable friend of Alcoa in China. ”

Equipped with one 1+3 hot mill line, one cold mill, one lithographic sheet line with one slitter plus a series of finishing equipment, Alcoa Bohai will enable China to produce the highest quality aluminum sheet, such as printing industry-use digital plate stocks, hard alloy transportation sheet, high surface-quality sheet for the electronics industry, and can body stock.

The newly installed lithographic sheet line is the world’s most sophisticated and hi-tech line with high quality standard. As the largest domestic supplier of lithographic sheet, Alcoa Bohai will help China to replace most of its overseas imports of lithographic sheets and strengthen its position in advanced lithographic sheet manufacturing and management.

About Alcoa China

Alcoa started doing business in China through a technology relationship with China Non-ferrous Corporation (now Sino Metals) in the 1980s. Since 1993, Alcoa has invested more than $700 million in China’s aluminum industry. As of June 30, 2009, Alcoa China has 15 locations employing 1,283 people.

Offices and plants are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Qinhuangdao, Kunshan, Suzhou, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Alcoa manufactures foil, sheet, fasteners, automotive components and construction products. Alcoa China is a member of the China Business Council for Sustainable Development (CBCSD) and the China Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment (CAEFI). Alcoa created a strategic partnership with Chinaclo in February 2008.

Alcoa’s commitment to China is steadfast and evident every day— we adhere to our values and principles while acknowledging local laws and regulations, performing our social responsibilities and promoting sustainable development. Alcoa aims to be the best company in the communities in which we operate, to ensure long-term success for Alcoa and all of its stakeholders. More information can be found on www.alcoa.com.cn

About Alcoa

Alcoa is the world leader in the production and management of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina combined, through its active and growing participation in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa® wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building systems. The Company has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and has been a member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for eight consecutive years. Alcoa employs approximately 63,000 people in 31 countries across the world. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com