Rick Moriarty
syracuse.com
(TNS)
Scriba, N.Y. – More than 1,000 workers are back on the job at the massive Novelis aluminum plant in Oswego County two weeks after a fire forced its shutdown.
Novelis spokesperson Lauren Thompson said Tuesday that all 1,150 employees have returned to work while the facility resumes operations.
She said the plant’s cold mill and finishing areas are “back online and operational.” And power is being restored to the facility’s remelt/recycle area, which is expected to restart soon, she said.
She said the fire was contained to the hot mill but that other production areas were impacted, mainly by water poured onto the plant by firefighters.
“According to Thompson, structural damage from the fire is limiting the company’s ability to fully assess the hot mill’s equipment. However, work to stabilize the structure is nearly complete, she said.
Based on information the company has at this time, restoration of the hot mill is expected in the first three months of 2026, she said.
In the meantime, the company is coordinating with Novelis plants worldwide to source material and minimize customer interruptions, she said.
Thompson said the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
“We are thankful no one was injured and appreciate the support we have received from local first responders and the larger community,” she said.
The fire broke out about 10 p.m. Sept. 16, drawing firefighters from more than 20 departments to the plant on Route 1A in Scriba. It took four hours to extinguish.
Employees safely evacuated the plant. But the fire forced the plant to temporarily close operations and idle its 1,150 workers.
Novelis, one of Oswego County’s largest employers, has said all the plant’s workers would be paid during the temporary closure. The company has said it is insured for property damage and business interruption losses related to such events, subject to deductibles and policy limits.
Novelis makes rolled aluminum for the automotive and other industries at the plant and also melts and recycles aluminum scrap at the facility.
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