Before Charles Martin Hall's discovery of the Hall-Héroult process, total U.S. production of aluminum in 1884 was just 125 pounds.

In 1886, Charles Martin Hall became the first American to succeed in developing a commercially cheap method of smelting aluminum—by electrolysis.

The ALUMINUM COMPANY OF AMERICA (Alcoa) was founded in 1888 as the Pittsburgh Reduction Co., and since 1900 has had a branch in Cleveland, locating the headquarters of its forging division here in 1977.

Due to the growing demand for aluminum, Alcoa moves its operations from Pittsburgh to New Kensington, where it scales up production to include aluminum ingots and fabricated aluminum products.

The Pittsburgh Reduction Company expands its market by entering the home cookware market with light, sturdy, and rust-resistant aluminum teakettles.

In 1898, Charles Martin Hall took leave from the company to participate in the Spanish-American War. While in Puerto Rico, he contracted Malaria, which led to complications and eventually his death less than a year after his return to the states at the age of 44.

Alcoa established a sales office in Cleveland's Cuyahoga Bldg. in 1900; it moved to the Garfield Bldg. in 1907, the same year the company changed its name to the Aluminum Co. of America.

In 1901, Alcoa formed its own cookware subsidiary, Aluminum Cooking Utensil Company.

By 1902, the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) became the only legal supplier of aluminum in the United States after a settlement with Hall's former employer, and while its patents were in force.

In 1903, the Wright Brothers' historic 'Flyer' is powered by an aluminum heart made from Alcoa's new metal, marking the first use of aluminum to save weight in a flying machine.

On January 1, 1907, 'The Aluminum Company of America' became the firm's new name. This was the year when the acronym 'Alcoa' was coined, and Davis was named company president.

In May 1909 it opened its first production facility in Cleveland, establishing a sand foundry at 6205 Carnegie Ave.

In 1910, Alcoa introduces aluminum foil, revolutionizing modern homes by reflecting heat and keeping foods cooler and fresher, fundamentally changing how people live.

In 1911, Alcoa established a plant in Alcoa, Tennessee, as part of its expansion.

In 1913, ALCOA began construction on the South (Reduction) Plant, which was a significant development for the company's expansion.

Hall remained a vice president of Alcoa until his death in 1914.

In 1915, Alcoa established plants in Edgewater, New Jersey and Badin, North Carolina, as part of its expansion.

Alcoa introduced its first aerospace alloy, 2017-T4, which became a crucial material for constructing the historic USS Shenandoah rigid airship. This alloy continues to be utilized for aircraft sheet and plate, with over 90% of all aerospace industry alloys being developed by Alcoa research.

In 1917 Alcoa opened a mold plant on farmland at 2210 Harvard Ave.

By the end of World War I, Alcoa's New Kensington facility had expanded significantly, accounting for a fifth of the local population and covering over 1 million square feet of manufacturing space on 75 acres.

The City of Alcoa was officially chartered by a private act of the Tennessee General Assembly on July 1, 1919. This followed land purchases by the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) in an area known as North Maryville, which later became Alcoa. The city's incorporation was essential for the development of the aluminum industry in the region.

By 1920, ALCOA employed 3,672 workers and built 150 company-owned homes for its employees, demonstrating the company's significant impact on the local economy and housing development.

After obtaining the rights to Alfred Wilm's duralumin patent, Alcoa conducted additional research into other aluminum alloys, leading to the use of horizontal extrusion presses for aerospace and construction applications.

Alcoa's common stock is listed on the New York Curb Exchange, which later became the American Stock Exchange. This move marked a significant milestone in the company's history, opening up new opportunities for investment and growth.

Davis was named chairman of Alcoa's board of directors in 1928 and remained in that role for thirty years until his retirement.

In 1929, Arthur Vining Davis retired as president of Alcoa and became chairman. He was succeeded by Roy Hunt, the son of Alfred Hunt.

Alcoa established the world's first aluminum research laboratory, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and advancement in the field of aluminum production and application. This laboratory played a pivotal role in shaping the future of aluminum technology.

In 1937, the United States Department of Justice brought a famous antitrust lawsuit against Alcoa, accusing the company of monopolizing the aluminum industry and conspiring with foreign producers.

In 1938, the Justice Department charged Alcoa with illegal monopolization and demanded that the company be dissolved, leading to the case of United States v. Alcoa.

With the onset of World War II in 1941, the demand for aluminum surged due to its extensive use in domestic, industrial, and military sectors, leading to a doubling of demand for the metal.

During World War II, a German U-Boat sank the SS Alcoa Puritan in 1942, as it carried a load of bauxite ore, highlighting the crucial use of aluminum products during the war.

During World War II, the U.S. government financed new plants that were built and run by Alcoa. As the war shifted in favor of the Allies in 1944, the government decided to sell off these plants to Reynolds Metals Company and Permanente Metals Corporation, creating an oligarchy in the U.S. aluminum market.

In 1945, an appeals court ruling found Alcoa guilty of antitrust violations, calling for a breakup of the company’s monopolistic hold on the aluminum market.

In a historic verdict in 1950, a judge ruled against divestiture, marking the end of the U.S. v. Alcoa case. This ruling had a significant impact on Alcoa's hold on the American aluminum market.

In 1951, Roy Hunt retired from Alcoa, leading to a change in leadership. Irving Wilson succeeded him as the head of the company.

The Alcoa Building in Downtown Pittsburgh, featuring an all-aluminum exterior, is completed. It serves as the company’s headquarters for more than 40 years and ushers in a new era of high-rise buildings clad in Alcoa aluminum.

Alcoa is depicted as the primary sponsor of the 1953 CBS program See It Now in George Clooney's Academy Award–nominated 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck.

In May 1955 Alcoa opened a $40 million plant that it built for and then leased from the U.S. Air Force to make light alloy forgings for military aircraft; Alcoa bought the plant from the government in 1982.

In 1957, Davis retired after 69 years of service with Alcoa. This led to a change in leadership, with Wilson succeeding him and Frank Magee becoming president and CEO. Alcoa also realized the need to internationalize and diversify in order to ensure its future.

In 1958, Alcoa joined with Lockheed and Furukawa Electric Company to form Furalco, which produced aluminum aircraft parts for Lockheed. The company also attempted a friendly acquisition of a stake in struggling British Aluminum, Ltd., marking its entry into the largest takeover battle in British corporate history at the time.

Alcoa formed the Alcoa Minerals of Jamaica subsidiary on the island in 1959, shipping their first load of bauxite in 1963 from Rocky Point.

In 1960, Alcoa purchased Rea Magnet Wire Company and Cupples Products Company, a manufacturer of aluminum curtain walls and doors, as part of its aggressive expansion into producing finished aluminum products.

Alcoa collaborates with the Pittsburgh Brewing Company to introduce easy-open aluminum pull tabs on cans of Pittsburgh Brewing's Iron City beer, revolutionizing the canned beverage market. This innovation, along with aluminum's recyclability, contributes to the dominance of aluminum in the canned beverage market.

In 1963, John Harper took over as the president and CEO of Alcoa. He faced challenges such as increased competition, high overhead, and low market prices for aluminum. To address these issues, he pushed for a shift towards manufacturing finished products with higher returns.

In 1966, Alcoa achieved a record profit, surpassing a mark it had set ten years before. This success came after the company's initiative to produce sheet metal for aluminum cans, which gained popularity among beverage consumers in the 1960s.

Alcoa's alloys and propellants play a crucial role in the U.S. space program, contributing to significant milestones such as the first manned flight, the first moon landing, and the development of the Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs.

In 1972, Alcoa decided to sell its technology to other manufacturers on a large scale, a significant departure from previous policies.

In 1975, W.H. Krome George succeeded John Harper as chairman and CEO of Alcoa. He brought new energy to the company and initiated various initiatives, including a focus on recycling and research into high-tech applications of aluminum.

In July 1977 Alcoa consolidated its forging operations in Vernon, CA, with its Cleveland operation to create the Alcoa Forging Div., with headquarters at 1600 Harvard Ave.

Alcoa Recycling is established, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

In 1983, Charles Parry took over as the CEO of Alcoa, with a strong commitment to diversifying the company. He aimed to significantly increase the company's revenue from non-aluminum sources by 1995, leading to a period of aggressive acquisition and expansion.

After Paul O'Neill became Alcoa CEO in 1987, Alcoa became one of the safest companies in the world, despite the aluminum industry's inherent risks.

The article 'Alcoa, the Microcosm' was published in Financial World on June 25, 1991. It likely provides an in-depth analysis of Alcoa's operations, financial performance, and market position during that period.

The article 'Alcoa Wants to Take Its Show on the Road' was featured in Business Week on August 1, 1994. It probably discusses Alcoa's international expansion or marketing strategies during that period.

As part of O’Neill’s restructuring vision, Alcoa moved from its 1952 headquarters to a new, $40 million facility on the Allegheny riverfront in 1995.

The article 'What’s Foiling the Aluminum Can' was published in Business Week on October 6, 1997. It likely addresses the challenges or issues affecting the aluminum can industry, which may have implications for Alcoa as a major player in the sector.

In 1998, The Aluminum Company of America officially changed its name to 'Alcoa' to better reflect its global status. The name 'Alcoa' was first coined in 1910 as the name of a company town in Tennessee.

The article 'Alcoa Wants One of These, and One of Those' was featured in Business Week on September 11, 2000. It probably discusses Alcoa's strategic objectives, expansion plans, or acquisitions at that time.

The article 'How O’Neill Got Alcoa Shining' was published in Business Week on February 5, 2001. It likely focuses on the leadership and management strategies of Paul O’Neill, who was the CEO of Alcoa, and their impact on the company's performance.

In January 2002, Alcoa posted its first quarterly loss since 1994, indicating vulnerability to the metals market despite strategic gains.

On January 3, 2003, Alcoa inaugurated its new operations headquarters on the North Shore of Pittsburgh, following the donation of its old skyscraper headquarters in Downtown Pittsburgh to the Regional Development Authority.

Alcoa and Pittsburgh Brewing collaborate to introduce the first aluminum bottle for Iron City Beer.

In 2005, Alcoa began construction in Iceland on Alcoa Fjarðaál, a state-of-the-art aluminum smelter and the company's first greenfield smelter in more than 20 years, albeit under heavy criticism by local and international NGOs related to a controversial dam project exclusively dedicated to supplying electricity to this smelter.

On November 21, 2006, Alcoa announced the planned closure of the Waunarlwydd works in Swansea, with the loss of 298 jobs. Production ceased at the Swansea plant on January 27, 2007.

In March 2007, the Russian aluminum giant RUSAL merged with SUAL and the Swiss company Glencore to become United Company Rusal, overtaking Alcoa as the world’s largest aluminum company.

The Fjarðaál smelter in eastern Iceland was brought into full operation in April 2007. It processes 940 tons of aluminum a day and relies on the Kárahnjúkar Hydropower Plant for power.

In May 2007, Alcoa made a $27 billion hostile takeover bid of Alcan, aiming to unite the two companies to reclaim the top spot in the aluminum market.

The Fjarðaál smelter in eastern Iceland was completed in June 2007 and brought into full operation the following April. It has a capacity of 346,000 metric tons a year, making it Alcoa's second largest capacity smelter.

On May 8, 2008, Klaus Kleinfeld was appointed CEO of Alcoa, succeeding Alain Belda. This leadership change marked a significant transition for the company.

Alcoa was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the seventh consecutive year in 2008, recognizing the company's commitment to sustainable business practices.

During the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in January 2009, Alcoa was named to the Global 100 ranking for its exemplary sustainable business practices, highlighting the company's strong commitment to sustainability.

In September 2009, Alcoa was selected for the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the eighth consecutive year, solidifying its position as a leading reference point for sustainability investing and showcasing the company's enduring commitment to sustainability.

Fortune's 'World’s Most Admired Companies' list published on March 22, 2010, featured Alcoa as one of the admired companies, highlighting its positive reputation and influence.

Alcoa collaborates with Pittsburgh Brewing to introduce the first aluminum bottle to the North American beer industry. The aluminum bottles are promoted for being unbreakable, better at retaining cold temperatures, aesthetically appealing, and more environmentally friendly than glass containers.

In October 2011, the proposed smelter project in Bakki by Húsavík was dropped because the power availability and proposed pricing would not support an aluminum smelter.

On July 16, 2012, Alcoa announced that it would take over full ownership and operation of Evermore Recycling, a leader in used beverage can recycling. This acquisition was part of Alcoa's strategic expansion in the recycling sector.

In June 2013, Alcoa announced the permanent closure of its Fusina primary aluminum smelter in Venice, Italy. This decision came after production had been curtailed since June 2010, reflecting the company's restructuring efforts.

On January 9, 2014, Alcoa reached a settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice over charges of bribing Bahraini officials. The settlement involved significant financial penalties, reflecting the legal repercussions faced by the company.

After 128 years of operation, Alcoa divides its mining, refining, smelting, and power businesses from its fabrication businesses, forming two independent companies: Alcoa and Arconic.

In September 2017, Alcoa moved its headquarters back to Pittsburgh as part of a general consolidation of administrative facilities around the world. This relocation signified a shift in the company's operational focus.

In October 2018, Alcoa announced plans to move from Pittsburgh's North Shore to a downtown Pittsburgh location. This move was likely part of the company's ongoing efforts to optimize its operational infrastructure.

Alcoa established a joint venture called ELYSISTM to commercialize a groundbreaking smelting technology that eliminates greenhouse gas emissions and produces pure oxygen.

Alcoa introduced the first low-carbon alumina brand, marking a significant step towards environmentally friendly aluminum production.

Alcoa supplies sustainable, low-carbon aluminum for wheels on the e-tron GT, with Audi being the first to use metal from their revolutionary technology that eliminates all direct carbon dioxide emissions from the traditional smelting process.

Alcoa completed the installation of press filtration technology for bauxite residue at its Poços de Caldas refinery in Brazil, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption.

On February 25, 2024, it was reported that US giant Alcoa is poised to acquire its Australian partner in a $3.3 billion deal. This acquisition demonstrates Alcoa's significant presence and influence in the international aluminium industry.

On February 26, 2024, US aluminium maker Alcoa announced a $2.2 billion offer to acquire Australia's Alumina. This move signifies Alcoa's strategic expansion and investment in the global aluminium market.

Alcoa announced its goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its global operations by 2050.