The Aluminium Oxid Stade GmbH (AOS) alumina refinery was built in the Stade-Bützfleth industrial zone between 1970 - 1973.The alumina plant is spread over an area of 55 hectares (approx. 133 acres), and boasts of an outstanding infrastructure.The production was started up at the end of 1973. Due to permanent improvements of the process and production facilities, we have been able to increase the nominal production capacity of 600,000 to the current level of approx. 1,050,000 metric tons of alumina per year. At the same time, specific emissions have been significantly reduced.