"We aim to help producers stay focused, responsive, and aligned with their strategic objectives," Dror Shaked, STAS

Dror Shaked, Vice President of Strategy at STAS, has opened up in an interview with AL Circle for its LeaderSpeak 2025 e-magazine, highlighting his perspective on the company’s unique position as a fully integrated OEM rooted in Canada’s Aluminium Valley, with over 35 years of hands-on innovation. STAS’s multidisciplinary expertise and strong partnerships- such as with Rio Tinto and FOUNDRY ECOCER- enable it to deliver advanced, field-driven technologies and collaborative solutions, helping aluminium producers navigate global volatility with resilience and long-term vision. Here’s an intriguing part of the conversation:

AL Circle: In a landscape where many strong players contribute to the advancement of aluminium production, what sets STAS apart in terms of its approach to innovation? How do your roots, partnerships, and in-house expertise shape your ability to bring value to the industry?

Dror Shaked: First of all, we believe that every player in the aluminium industry has something valuable to contribute. Whether through technology, expertise, or collaboration, it’s the combined effort that drives a more performant, sustainable, and intelligent aluminium ecosystem. 

At STAS, what sets us apart is that we’re a fully integrated OEM, capable of transforming ideas into fully operational technologies. From the first sketch to real-world implementation, we bring concepts to life. For over 35 years, we’ve been based in the heart of Aluminium Valley, the largest concentration of aluminium smelters in North America. This close connection to operations from day one has shaped our practical, field-driven approach.

Over time, we’ve developed and perfected more than 40 different technologies, thanks to strong collaborations with companies like Rio Tinto, Alcoa, and Constellium, as well as research centres and universities around the world.

STAS’ most valuable resource is its multidisciplinary expertise. The combined skills and talents of our employees, some of whom have been with us for over 35 years, are the foundation of our technological know-how.

Our fields of expertise include mechanics, electricity, robotics and automation, metallurgy, vision, and artificial intelligence—a combination that allows us to tackle complex challenges with precision and innovation.

We’re proud that flagship solutions like the ACD / Aluminium Compact Degasser®, RFI / Rotary Flux Injector®, and IGDC / Inert Gas Dross Cooler® are in use across more than 40 countries. But for us, success is about more than global reach—it’s about staying curious, listening closely, and being deeply committed to helping our customers reach their goals. Many of our most impactful innovations have come from working collaboratively to solve specific, on-the-ground challenges.

We believe in building strong, trust-based relationships with our customers. By staying connected to their needs — whether through direct feedback, long-term collaboration, or co-development — we’re able to deliver solutions that bring meaningful, measurable value.

We remain active contributors to the global aluminium community, taking part in major events such as TMS, ICSOBA, ARABAL, and others—continually learning, sharing insights, and advancing the industry together. At the most recent ICSOBA Forum in Lyon, our collaborative paper with Constellium, “BATSCAN: the Coming of Age of a New Tool for Inclusion Detection in Liquid Aluminium,” received the Best Casthouse Operation Paper Award, underscoring our commitment to innovation and technical excellence.

And we’re always open to building new partnerships. Whether you’re an aluminium producer, a research institution, or a fellow innovator, we welcome opportunities to collaborate, co-develop, and explore new ideas that can benefit the industry as a whole.

AL Circle: Given the volatility we’re seeing across global markets—driven by trade tensions, shifting policies, and broader geopolitical uncertainty—how does STAS interpret the long-term implications for aluminium producers and global trade flows? What should companies be thinking about to prepare for what’s ahead?

Dror Shaked: While we may not have a crystal ball, we do pay close attention to the signals shaping the industry. The aluminium sector is facing a period of considerable change, where geopolitical tensions and regulatory developments are increasingly influencing how aluminium is sourced, processed, and moved across borders.

From US tariffs to new EU regulations like CBAM, alongside sanctions on Russian aluminium and evolving Chinese export strategies, the landscape is shifting in ways that affect procurement, logistics, and long-term investment decisions. These are not isolated disruptions—they point to a more complex and less predictable global market.

In such a climate, producers must look beyond operational efficiency. Building strategic flexibility, resilience, and strong partnerships is essential. The ability to adapt while maintaining a clear sense of direction will be key to navigating this environment successfully.

At STAS, we see our role not only in delivering advanced technologies, but in supporting our partners with reliable solutions, global insight, and a long-term mindset. We aim to help producers stay focused, responsive, and aligned with their strategic objectives — even in uncertain times.

At STAS, navigating change means staying grounded in what matters most—supporting the industry with reliability, consistency, and a long-term perspective.

To explore the full interview and gain deeper insights on the global aluminium market and how STAS is contributing to its growth, click here.