Peter Vanvuchelen, who plays a key role at Hencon, has emphasised the company’s pioneering role in the development of electric and autonomous vehicles tailored for the aluminium industry. Reflecting on Hencon’s over 10 years of experience in this domain, he noted that this decade-long journey has allowed the company to deeply understand the operational challenges and requirements of heavy-duty industrial environments. Predicting the future is challenging, especially with the unpredictability surrounding the incoming U.S. president, known for his often unorthodox policy shifts. However, one relatively safe assumption is Donald Trump’s consistent “America First” stance, which emphasizes bolstering domestic industry.

AL Circle: What key strategies and technologies does Hencon implement to help aluminium smelters reduce logistics costs without compromising operational quality? Could you share a recent example where Hencon's logistics solutions significantly impacted cost-efficiency for a European client?

Peter Vanvuchelen: Hencon offers both electric and autonomous vehicles. By offering electrified vehicles, Hencon is confident that operational costs can be reduced tremendously (maintenance costs, longevity, …). Running costs of vehicles can be reduced while versatility stays equal or increases. At the same time, electric engines have zero emission, while smooth (almost silent) engines offer a higher torque offer, which can never be achieved with combustion engines.

Next to a complete electric range of vehicles, Hencon also offers fully automated vehicles. This might offer a perfect solution for customers who have problems finding skilled operators. In the process, one of the highest costs involved in operating a fleet of transporting vehicles – operator’s salaries and human errors - is being reduced to a bare minimum. The ROI for AGVs turns out to be very short in most cases. 

It is worth mentioning that Hencon has over 10 years of experience in these vehicles.

AL Circle: What are your projections for the European primary aluminium industry as we approach 2025? With Donald Trump's return as the President of the US, what potential impacts do you foresee on the European aluminium sector?

Peter Vanvuchelen: It is tough to predict the future, especially referring to the president-elect of the USA, who has a reputation for acting quite unpredictably; I prefer not to make too many assumptions.

One assumption which is safe to work with is Trump’s constant focus on the own (USA) market. He has announced on several occasions a (10%) increase in importation taxes in combination with an aggressive growth of the USA industry. Both elements might impact the position of the European industry. It can work in both directions, as the growth of the US aluminium industry can also lead to a higher demand for European mobile equipment.

The entire 2025 economic climate will be marked by the (lack of) stability. With the recent mass layoffs in Germany and a political and economic repositioning of the Superpowers (including China), the situation in Ukraine and the Middle East, there are a lot of unknown factors which will impact the European aluminium industry as well, one way or the other.

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