Thanks, CFAC, for 50 years of work

It was big news in the Flathead Valley a half-century ago when an industry giant, Anaconda Aluminum Co., cranked power to the first aluminum-producing potlines in Columbia Falls.

On Aug. 12, 1955, a new era in local manufacturing started when the aluminum plant now known locally as CFAC began production.

It was an era founded upon the availability of cheap federal hydroelectric power (Hungry Horse Dam had been completed just two years earlier) and a growing nation's need for aluminum.

Fast-forward 50 years: The power is not nearly as cheap and China's greater need for aluminum is pinching world markets for raw materials. But the plant near Columbia Falls is still open, although it's currently running at one-fifth of full capacity.

It's a testament to workers and management that Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. is still alive when almost all the rest of the Northwest aluminum plants have closed their doors for good.

The aluminum plant has had to overcome some serious obstacles in its 50-year history: three changes in corporate ownership, bitter profit-sharing battles, chronic struggles to find power at a competitive price, one brief strike, periodic cutbacks in production and work force, and a difficult 13-month shutdown in 2001.

But the aluminum company persevered.

It may not be the economic force it once was, but Columbia Falls Aluminum's legacy is a notable one.

Long the biggest or one of the biggest employers in the county, the plant for decades was the cornerstone of the Columbia Falls economy. Paychecks from the plant allowed thousands of workers over the years to build better lives.

And the plant contributed a lot more than just payrolls. Year after year, the plant gave back to the community for everything from baseball team sponsorships to equipment for town projects to donations to a host of charitable causes.

The community repaid that generosity, most notably in the 1980s when 5,000 people showed up at a rally to support the aluminum plant when it was in danger of being shuttered by high power and material costs.

It's been known by several acronyms over the years - AAC, ARCO, CFAC - but by whatever name, the aluminum plant has had a profound positive impact on the valley and beyond.

That's why we are not only wishing a happy birthday to everyone associated with the plant, but also hoping for another 50 years - at least.