Alcoa to Open Extrusion Facility in Northwest Romania

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 12, 2004--Alcoa (NYSE:AA) today announced its European Extruded & End Products division will start construction of a new extrusion facility in Arad County, in northwest Romania, to serve customers in the building and construction market.

Upon completion in the second quarter of 2005, the new facility is expected to employ approximately 200 people. The plant will have two press lines in operation and will supply building and construction products to commercial and residential customers throughout Europe.

Alcoa's European Extrusion Products business noted the cooperation and excellent support it has received from all areas of the Romanian regional community. "Without exception, the information, openness, and willingness to work with Alcoa were critical to our decision to begin operations here," said Philippe Royer, President of Alcoa European Extrusions & End Products.

The Arad facility will be Alcoa's third facility in Romania. Alcoa Fujikura has two Automotive plants in Romania - one in nearby Chisineu Cris and the other in Caransebes in southern Romania.

The new facility will be part of Alcoa European Extrusions & End Products' manufacturing system of more than a dozen facilities throughout Europe. The business recently opened a new extrusion press line in Szekesfehervar, Hungary.

Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active 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, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 41 countries. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com.

Alcoa Investor Contact:

William F. Oplinger,

212-836-2674