Century Aluminum Company (NASDAQ: CENX) restarted production at the second potline of its Norðurál smelter in Grundartangi, Iceland, several months earlier than originally planned, the company announced.

The company energized the first pots in the second potline and plans to continue restarting remaining pots to reach close to full production by the end of July. The second potline represents approximately two-thirds of the plant's total capacity.

The restart follows repairs to transformers that experienced an unexpected failure. Company specialists worked with equipment designers and manufacturers to complete the repairs. Permanent replacement transformers have been ordered and are expected to be installed upon delivery this fall.

"We're proud of our Grundartangi team, who worked tirelessly to resume production under difficult circumstances," said Jesse Gary, President and CEO of Century Aluminum. "The team demonstrated resolve and resilience in undertaking repairs to resume production faster."

Gary noted that the Grundartangi restart, combined with the company's recent production expansion at Mt. Holly, reinforces Century's commitment to meeting customer needs.

Century Aluminum operates primary aluminum smelting facilities in the United States and Iceland and is the majority owner and managing partner of the Jamalco alumina refinery in Jamaica. The company is headquartered in Chicago.