MASSENA — North Country Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne, D-Theresa, toured Arconic's Massena Operations during a stop at the plant earlier this week, saying the visit was extremely beneficial and informative.

The assemblywoman met with Plant Manager Steve Rombough and Human Resources Manager Eowyn Hewey and learned about the facility’s focus on delivering results and increasing the site’s competitiveness.

She also walked through the extrusions and fabricating facilities and had a chance to see some of the products being shipped out of Massena.

Jenne noted it was her first tour of the plant since Alcoa and Arconic split into two separate companies.

"I've met with Arconic officials in Massena and Albany over the past several months, but this was my first time in the plant since Alcoa split into two companies," she said.

"It's always impressive to see and learn about the work that is being done in the Massena plant. I found it very valuable to have an opportunity to see first hand the products Arconic is making at the Massena Operations and to gain a better understanding of the process," she noted.

Jenne said she was impressed by the strides Massena Operations has taken to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

Rombough touted the facility’s continued emphasis on fostering closer relationships with customers, process and productivity improvement. He also said the Massena Operations is manufacturing products using differentiated alloys.

"It's clear local leadership has risen to challenge of making the Massena Operations very competitive on the world stage by remaining flexible to meet customer needs and hitting high quality on time delivery benchmarks," Jenne said.

"It was energizing to see the energy and enthusiasm from the plant manager and his team. The competitive spirit and strength Massena and the North Country have exemplified for generations is certainly alive and well at Arconic's Massena Operations," she pointed out.

"Every time I visit the Alcoa and Arconic plants in Massena I am amazed by the work the employees do on a daily basis," Jenne said.

"They take raw materials - what many of us would describe as dirt and rocks - shipped to Massena from around the world and turn it into shiny polished products that are transported out of Massena to support manufacturing around the country and world," she noted.

"Aluminum alloys produced in Massena are machined into products such as aircraft cargo bay rollers, large diameter artillery shell components and automotive transmission valves," she added.

Jenne said the skill and dedication of the men and women doing the work is inspiring.

"I'm glad we at the state level have been able to work with Alcoa and Arconic to help keep their Massena Operations competitive. I'm also encouraged by the work Arconic is doing to grow its business in Massena," she said.

Hewey also reviewed the facility’s efforts to support local community partners like the Boys and Girls Club of Massena, Clarkson University and SUNY Canton.

Arconic Massena produces rod and bar for customers who serve the industrial, aerospace, defense and automotive markets.

Alcoa successfully separated into two companies – Alcoa Corp. and Arconic Inc. - in November 2016. Upon separation, the Massena West forgings and extrusions operations became part of Arconic.