Antonio Perego, Sales Manager Aluminium Division at FIMI Machinery, has shared with AL Circle the aluminium market is growing, and will continue to grow in countries like Turkey, India, Mexico. According to him, the main sectors to drive the aluminium market will be food and all industries related to the world of transport, such as batteries, ships, car bodies, etc. He says the need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors due to its high mechanical properties and low weight.

AL Circle: How would you describe the current state of the European aluminium market? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities you foresee in the coming years? 

Antonio Perego: As a machine manufacturer, we believe the aluminium market is increasing in the current year, and it will likely continue to grow in many countries, such as Turkey, India, and Mexico. The main sectors to drive the aluminium market will be food and all industries related to the world of transport, such as batteries, ships, car bodies, etc. Europe remains by the window, particularly in the current situation of the automotive market.

AL Circle: What role does the FIMI Group play in supporting sustainability and circular economy initiatives in the European aluminium sector? Could you share examples of projects or partnerships aligned with these goals? 

Mr Antonio Perego: An example of compliance with the most restrictive environmental standards our lines adopt is the processing and treatment lines. Both the exhaust fumes and the effluent discharge undergo filtration treatments so that the discharge into the environment has practically zero impact.

AL Circle: What regulatory or policy changes within Europe do you think could most influence the aluminium sector in the near future? How does FIMI Group adapt its strategies in response to such policies? 

Mr Antonio Perego: The need to reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere and use recyclable materials will increasingly push the use of aluminium in many industrial sectors due to its high mechanical properties and low weight.  FIMI is able to meet the most demanding requirements of the aluminium processing industry with its technologies.

AL Circle: With European industries focusing on automation, how has FIMI evolved its machinery and control systems to integrate seamlessly with Industry 4.0 principles? 

Mr Antonio Perego: FIMI, thanks to its automation division, has already developed Level 2 systems for interfacing with factory control systems. Furthermore, the automation division has recently developed its own ‘Digital’ platform for the total remote control of all information relating to the operation and performance of the lines. The advantages of this system include total visibility of data and information, plant efficiency in terms of performance and energy consumption, and clear benefits for ordinary maintenance management.

AL Circle: What are FIMI’s strategies to maintain the high-quality standards of its products amidst rapidly advancing technology? What roles do R&D and testing play in ensuring quality and innovation? 

Antonio Perego: First of all, the continuous need to innovate is in Fimi's DNA, as demonstrated by the numerous patents that have been registered. Within the engineering divisions, the R&D sector plays a fundamental role. Furthermore, FIMI considers its customers to be essential partners in improving knowledge in the field and always being able to develop its own technology.

To read the full interview, click here.