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CFAC to Shut Down "Indefinitely" Oct 31 by Staff Montana's News Station, October 21, 2009

Columbia Falls Aluminum is closing plant operations at the end of October. But, company officials say they'll continue to do what they can to save it.

The company's future beyond that date hinges on their ability to get a long-term energy contract with Bonneville Power, something they are still working on.

Their current contract ran out on September 30th, but they were able to buy power in the open market through October.

CFAC representatives say that the energy market for November looks to be much higher, and they just can't afford the power prices.

Even if CFAC comes to an agreement with Bonneville before October 31st, the plant doesn't have enough raw materials, and will shut down no matter what...at least temporarily.

Shutdown announcements have been made at CFAC since last December, when the company gave its 200 workers 60-days notice.

"We know, everybody knows, how important the plant is to the Flathead and to the northern end of the Flathead, and to our community...so everybody is working in the same direction" explained CFAC spokesman Haley Beaudry. "We just need to find a way to get there."

Beaudry was in Washington D.C. last week meeting with the Department of Energy as well as Montana Congressional Delegation and says that they are all working towards helping the company.

The shutdown will idle 90 workers. But last year, before the company began to reduce operations, CFAC employed 300 people.