AlCircle: Do you think the current economic slowdown in Europe will lead to weaker investments in technology and equipment by aluminium companies?

Patrik Ernst: So far, the aluminium industry has been resilient to the current geopolitical challenges and threats of high inflation in various countries. We still see several medium and large sizes projects on the horizon, mainly linked to nearshoring strategies.

AlCircle: Will you develop any new solution for the aluminium industry this year to boost productivity at a lower cost, given the current inflation scenario? 

Patrik Ernst: At REEL, we continuously strive for lower cost and higher productivity by adapting the organization to an ever changing market environment and by implementing lean tools and processes in the various departments of the organization. Further we have improved our equipment and process plants by implementing industry 4.0 methods such as our new IOT platform which allows our customers to reach higher productivity rates and to better maintain the REEL equipment. 

AlCircle: Is your company planning to introduce equipment with zero carbon emissions and contribute to the aluminium industry's sustainability goals?

Patrik Ernst: REEL offers unique carbon emission control solutions, such as our state-of-the-art Gas Treatment Centers and Fume Treatment Centers. However a lower carbon footprint is essential for the aluminium industry, and REEL, therefore, is constantly improving the carbon footprint by offering solutions which have a lower energy consumption and further reduce carbon footprint during the execution of a project, looking at all steps of the project. In addition, we invest with our partners into the next generation of aluminium production facilities with a zero carbon footprint.

AlCircle: How do the production cuts at aluminium smelters in Europe and North America impact your business performance?

Patrik Ernst: It is correct that some smelters had to reduce production due to higher energy cost. However, nearshoring, green aluminium, restart and expansion of smelters/potlines in other parts of the world will further increase our project activities. We therefore do not see the reduced smelting capacity in Europe and North America as a threat, but as an opportunity.
AlCircle: How do you think the global aluminium industry will respond to technology adoption in 2023?

Patrik Ernst: Acceptance of new products and technology is key for our customers and own employees to not fall behind other industries. We need to be aware that in our teams, there are different adopter groups. To maximise ROI and reduce resistance against new technologies, companies need to set up a technology adoption program which personalises and customises the roll out of new technologies.