Aluminum maker cutbacks will cost port jobs, revenue

Herald staff

EVERETT — A Montana aluminum manufacturer has dramatically cut production because of energy costs in a move that will also reduce revenues and jobs at the Port of Everett.

Columbia Falls Aluminum Co., which imports the raw material alumina through the port, notified officials there it has cut production by about a third. If those cutbacks where to last a year, it would cost the port $300,000 and significantly reduce work for longshoremen.

"They’re a player for us," port director John Mohr said of Columbia, adding they were the third biggest customer next to the Boeing Co., which imports 777 fuselages, and log exporters.

Columbia said it had made the cutbacks suddenly at the request of federal power officials, who were seeking to ensure the Northwest doesn’t have a power shortage.