SEPT-ÎLES, September 2, 2015 – This year’s tourist season was remarkably busy at Aluminerie Alouette, which welcomed over 700 visitors. For over 20 years, the Quebec industrial flagship has opened its doors to tourists over the summer months, in order to demystify the aluminium production process and show off its cutting-edge facility.

According to Alouette Communications manager Marie-Claude Guimond, “Openness to the world is part of Aluminerie Alouette’s culture. With our summer tours, we reach out to people who want to find out more about our operations. We give them a one-of-a-kind experience in the region and an exceptional tourist activity.”

Each year, from the end of June to mid-August, Tuesday through Saturday, a guide leads two tours a day. An interactive presentation on the company and its operations is followed by a tour of the facility, including the Anode Plant, Casthouse and Reduction Sector. The visitors wear orange hard hats and protective glasses, and are eagerly awaited, as they add a touch of summer to the smelter! The tours are governed by rules aimed at ensuring everyone’s safety — thanks to which, once again this year, there were no injuries or incidents during this activity.

Families and groups of friends from the Côte-Nord region and around the world head up Pointe-Noire Road to visit the primary aluminium production facility, located on Marconi Peninsula. Alouette also welcomes school groups and organized tours outside the summer months. “We’re extremely proud of our city and the Canadian aluminium industry. It’s therefore a pleasure to contribute to their impact,” says Marie-Claude Guimond. To plan a tour or find out about the safety rules, potential visitors can speak to the people in charge by calling a dedicated number, (418) 964-7342.