Released on March 5, 2008

Alcoa, Pittsburgh, has combined its Wheel Products business with its Auto and Truck Structures business to form a new business unit called Wheel and Transportation Products.

The company said the change was made “to capture adjacent growth opportunities and strengthen its overall ground transportation portfolio.”

The new business unit, which will consist of three divisions, Transportation Products (formerly Auto and Truck Structure), Commercial Vehicle Wheels and Automotive Wheels, and headquartered in Cleveland, will serve the commercial vehicle, automotive, and defense markets with products used in a range of applications including forged aluminum wheels, aluminum space frames, specialized vacuum die cast products, niche products and a variety of other aluminum components for these markets.

“We believe combining these two businesses will allow us to improve our already strong portfolio in the markets we serve. Our focus will continue to be on global growth, innovation and manufacturing excellence,” said Kevin Kramer, the group’s new president.