P.M. BRIEFING : Columbia Aluminum Acquires Indal

Columbia Aluminum announced today it has purchased two Southern California companies, Indal Aluminum and Indal Aluminum Products, for an undisclosed price.

Kenneth Peterson Jr., Columbia Aluminum’s chief executive officer, said the plants will continue operations in Columbia’s name through a new subsidiary--Columbia Pacific Aluminum Corp.

Indal Aluminum is located in the City of Industry. Indal Aluminum Products is in the City of Commerce.

“Columbia’s California operations will continue in their current markets and will focus on customer service both to retain existing customers and expand sales activities to obtain new customers,” Peterson said. “Our goal is to be clearly the best in the Western extrusion market.”

Columbia Aluminum of Goldendale is a primary aluminum smelter that is partially owned by its employees.

Peterson also announced the appointment of Norval Prakash as president and chief operating officer of Columbia Pacific Aluminum Corp., which will be headquartered in the City of Industry.