Aleris International’s Bens Run facility in Tyler County is slated to discontinue operations on March 1, 2013, a date negotiated between the company and union representatives. The aluminum recycling facility employs more than 35 people.

The Bens Run plant originally opened in 1989 as a subsidiary of Consolidated Aluminum; Ormet then purchased it in 1994 and Aleris International has owned it since 2006.

The purpose of the facility is the production of pyramid and cone-shaped deoxidizers used in the steel industry to help remove impurities during the steel-making process. It also produces aluminum ingot in multiple alloys and manufactures recycled secondary ingot and sows.

“We’re focused on serving our customers from Bens Run through the March date,” said Aleris spokesman Jason Saragian when asked if Aleris will still own the facility and perform other operations there. “Despite our best efforts, the facility is not meeting our business goals. We put a lot of thought into this decision because it impacts people.”

Saragian said the facility’s closure will not affect the company’s recycling facility in Friendly. He also stated that there are no plans to close additional Aleris facilities at this time, but the company is always evaluating its manufacturing footprint to ensure that it matches customer needs.

Aleris would not disclose how many of its plants employ union workers.