“Nowadays, not only does the equipment have to do its tasks, but it also needs to communicate with the plant and eventually make decisions with more AI.” Éloïse Harvey, CEO at EPIQ Machinery

AlCircle:  Please share EPIQ Machinery's innovative equipment solutions, which are on trend to improve an aluminium smelter's handling and process flow.

Éloïse Harvey: Under the MECFOR brand, we have the Molten Metal Transfer by Pressurization (MMTP) that gains in popularity every year. Our customers see a true benefit in their output and the quality of metal produced. Also, the brand will soon deliver new casthouse dedicated equipment: Mecfor Furnace Vehicle (MFV10). With its unique design, the SmartConnect feature and MECFORLink, this equipment is an excellent addition to our Smart Casthouse Solutions. The vehicle will show great manoeuvrability with a high-loading capacity. The operator cab can be lifted to ensure good vision for the operator.

As for AD, the brand is increasing the level of automation and robotization in its handling systems. As more smelters and casthouses look to automate and reduce the need for operator-driven equipment, this places the AD brand in a niche area. They have the ability to integrate highly repeatable material handling equipment with the added benefit of auto-guided vehicles (AGVs) to move the product to a warehouse or storage pad.