Output reduced at Lochaber smelter and hydro plant
Alvance British Aluminium says it has developed a plan to keep employees safe while continuing to operate at reduced output at its Lochaber smelter and hydro power station.
Production at the smelter in Fort William has been reduced and is presently running at 75 per cent capacity, allowing staffing levels to be cut to an essential degree.
On the site, additional hygiene measures have been introduced, shift patterns have been adjusted and guidelines have been put in place to maximise social distancing.
Alvance considers maintaining a minimal level of operation at Lochaber – Britain's only aluminium smelter – is essential.
Aluminium from Lochaber is used to supply the food packaging industry and for blister packs to dispense medicines in the pharmaceuticals industry.
Continuous running of the smelter, and its associated power station, is critical in regulating water levels from the River Spean through operation of the Laggan hydro-electric dam.
Brian King, managing director of Alvance British Aluminium, said: ‘The wellbeing of our people is our top priority so we are minimising the number of people required on site and taking every possible step to reduce any risk to health.
‘We are mindful of concerns around reducing non-essential business activity. However, the Lochaber smelter and hydro-electric dam are critical pieces of infrastructure which cannot simply be switched on and off.
‘A minimal level of activity will be required on the site to supply essential industries and to maintain water levels.'