May 9, 2006 -- Alcan Inc. and Mercury Castings have reached an agreement in principle on a joint global marketing and manufacturing effort concerning a patented family of diecasting and permanent-mold aluminum alloys. "Mercalloy" is used to manufacture aluminum propellers and Verado engine driveshaft housings for marine engines.

"The joint-commercialization of Mercalloy will offer existing Alcan diecasting customers a new high-value product range and application opportunities," said Jean-Francois Laplante, Alcan's director for North American Foundry Products.

Alcan is the world's second-largest aluminum producer. It will manufacture Mercalloy, and sell and distribute it through its domestic and global distribution network.

Mercury Castings developed the low-porosity alloy, which is said to feed better during solidification than traditional diecasting alloys due to a reduced iron content and the addition of strontium. Its modified eutectic structure is credited for significant improvements to as-cast and heat-treated ductility.

"Mercalloy exhibits exceptional strength, ductility, and part integrity," stated Dave Olson, Mercury Castings general manager, "and through Alcan's global reach and technical excellence, we will be able to introduce Mercalloy into markets beyond the marine industry, such as automotive, aerospace structural, and agricultural vehicles."

Mercury Castings is subsidiary of a Mercury Marine, a division of Brunswick Corp. Brunswick is the parent to a number of brands in the marine engine market, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Teignbridge propellers; and MotoTron electronic controls. It also manufactures a series of marine vessels, including Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, and many others.