The parent company of Century Aluminum in Ravenswood has announced plans to end its remaining plant operations at its Ravenswood aluminum smelter by February 20.

The Ravenswood smelter employs 679 men and women and produces 170,000 tonnes annually at full capacity.

The shutdown of the plant's remaining three potlines will begin immediately and will be completed by February 20.

The plant will be carefully maintained to allow for the possibility of reopening, if justified by market conditions.

Layoffs for the majority of the plant's remaining 651 employees are expected to be completed by February 20.

"We deeply regret the impact of this action on our loyal employees and on the surrounding communities," says Ravenswood plant manager Jim Chapman. "The Ravenswood smelter has been an integral part of western West Virginia's economy and culture for over 50 years. This action, while unfortunate, was not taken lightly."

Century president and CEO Logan Kruger added, "We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the extraordinary efforts of Governor Joe Manchin, Senator Robert Byrd and Senator Jay Rockefeller, who did everything in their power to assist. In addition, our employees, the Union, U.S. Representative Shelley Moore Capito, Mayors Harbert and Rader, our suppliers, customers and the entire community took significant steps on our behalf. All of our constituents have worked tirelessly over the past several weeks to find a solution to this global and local economic crisis. Regrettably, these discussions were overcome by the continuing deterioration of the aluminum market and the uncertain business environment."