Alcoa announced that funding has been approved for the complete repair and refurbishment of its 50,000-ton forging press at the company’s Cleveland Works. The project will make Cleveland Works the world’s premier producer of aluminum and titanium forgings for the defense, aerospace and industrial markets. The project will be completed by the end of 2011. It will involve the complete disassembly and renovation of the press – a 92-foot structure with four stories above and below the floor. Cleveland Works is also home to a 35,000-ton press that is currently producing large forgings for aerospace applications.

Cracks were discovered in the press’ base castings in August 2008. The press has been idled since then. Alcoa will invest more than $110 million in Cleveland Works through 2011, including $68 million for the press rebuild and $24 million previously approved for improvements associated with F35 Joint Strike Fighter production.