“For 2022 we will see high aluminium prices throughout the year and even further on. This will increase investments in the aluminium sector and therefore the project pipeline will further grow”, Patrik Ernst - Director Aluminium Division at REEL International

AlCircle: What was the motive behind the screen that drove REEL International to acquire the Aluminium Emission Control business of GE Steam Power in Norway?

Mr Patrik Ernst: Over the last years REEL realized that our clients would always go for bigger packages when executing either brownfield or Greenfield projects in the aluminium industry. This was particularly true in the courtyard of an aluminium smelter where the Gas Treatment Center (GTC) was often awarded together with all materials handling equipment. With the expert materials handling company Alesa already in the REEL portfolio, the missing link was the emission control aspect to provide our clients out of one hand the full courtyard portfolio. REEL has worked in the past with the emission control team of GE either as a supplier or as a partner on various projects, therefore we knew of the compatibility of both teams. When the opportunity arrived to take over the team in Norway, REEL worked diligently with the former owner to guarantee a smooth transition. REEL Norway is today integrated as a business line within REEL Alesa.

AlCircle: How do you conceptualize 2022 for the global aluminium industry following the Covid economic impact?