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It All Started in 1984 ...
A new chapter in Alcoa’s already long history was being written in 1984: on 11 April the Wagerup Alumina Refinery and Willowdale Bauxite Mine were officially opened, bringing jobs and prosperity to the Waroona and Harvey Shires.
Since 1984 [between 1984 - end 2008], we have produced around 40 million tonnes of alumina - equivalent to around 2.6 million Boeing 747s or 1 trillion aluminium cans.
But all of that wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated people. In 2009, we are celebrating 25 years of operation and paying tribute to those who have been with us since the beginning.
Willowdale employee Tony Vergone, who has been with Alcoa for 33 years, said having job security and flexibility were the best things about working for Alcoa. He also mentioned the unique location as a big drawcard to Alcoa Wagerup: “I enjoy my job and the people I work with, and being able to live on the coast less than an hour from Perth and work in a mine site environment is great.”
Yarloop local and 25-year Wagerup veteran, Andrew “Benny” Goodman, saved a memento from the day the refinery first started up.
“As the first conveyor load of bauxite entered the mill I grabbed one of the first rocks to come up the belt. I put the rock in my change room locker and a few years ago rediscovered it. I keep it with me to this day,” Benny said.
Both current managers at Wagerup and Willowdale said the one thing, above all else, that contributed to the operations’ success over the past 25 years was the people.
“Each day more than 600 employees across various shifts make up the Wagerup team. They all pull together to make our facility operate safely, productively and to continue to improve,” said Wagerup Refinery Manager Eugenio Azevedo.
“To all who have contributed to the Wagerup and Willowdale operations over the past 25 years, my congratulations and heartfelt thanks.”
WA Operations Manager of Mines Bill Knight said that the ‘Willowdale spirit’ emerged in the early days of the mine.
“Willowdale people have always been motivated by a challenge, proud of their workplace and supportive of their workmates,” said Bill.
“This spirit is the reason that Willowdale is now considered part of the world’s leading bauxite mining operation. People come from all over the world to see our mining operations and rehabilitation.
“Congratulations and thank you to all who have contributed to this incredible story of success,” Bill said.
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