ATLANTA, Mar. 4, 2009 — Novelis today announced that its aluminum sheet mill in Rogerstone, South Wales, UK, will cease operations by the end of April.  The announcement comes after a 90-day consultation, the aim of which had been to help get the business through the downturn by identifying measures that could be taken in light of the weak economy.  Despite significant effort to achieve this, a viable plan did not emerge.  The closure will affect 440 jobs.

“The Rogerstone team made every effort to adjust the operating model and costs to reflect the decreasing order book,” said Arnaud de Weert, president of Novelis Europe.  “Unfortunately a sustainable solution could not be found.  We thank the employees for their constructive approach in the face of these challenges.”

“This has been a very difficult decision to make,” said de Weert, “but like many companies we must adjust to the economic realities of today.  Novelis is going through a process to ensure that we emerge from the downturn with an asset configuration that is lean and even more competitive.”

The company said that existing customer orders will be fulfilled and clients will be contacted individually regarding the future handling of their business in the Novelis European system.

“As the world’s leading supplier of rolled aluminum,” said de Weert, “we have a high level of flexibility in our operations and will continue to meet future customer needs competitively.”

About Novelis
Novelis Inc. is the global leader in aluminum rolled products and aluminum can recycling. The company operates in 11 countries, employs approximately 12,500 people and reported annual revenues of $11.2 billion in its 2008 fiscal year.  Novelis supplies premium aluminum sheet and foil products to automotive, transportation, packaging, construction, industrial and printing markets throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia.  Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, one of Asia’s largest integrated producers of aluminum and a leading copper producer.  Hindalco is the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational conglomerate based in Mumbai, India.  For more information on Novelis, visit www.novelis.com.

Statements made in this news release which describe Novelis' intentions, expectations or predictions may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities laws. Novelis cautions that, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. We do not intend, and we disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Important risk factors which could impact the proposed restructuring are included under the caption "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2008, as amended and filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, and are specifically incorporated by reference into this news release.

###

Media Contacts

Europe:
John Gardner
+41 44 386 2155
john.gardner@novelis.com

Corporate:
Charles Belbin
+1 404 814 4260
charles.belbin@novelis.com