Tesla's ambitions for its Optimus humanoid robot extend well beyond factory automation, with the company envisioning a future in which robots could support vehicle servicing, logistics and even last-mile delivery. However, turning that vision into a commercially viable product will require more than advances in artificial intelligence and robotics. It will also depend on access to aluminium, critical minerals and the downstream manufacturing capabilities needed to produce increasingly sophisticated hardware at scale. Tesla has already taken an important step towards that ambition. On October 21, 2026, the company announced that Optimus production had begun on its high-volume manufacturing line in Fremont, California. Tesla described the units coming off the line as its first...
Trimet has reduced direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at its aluminium recycling plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, by 25 per cent, saving approximately 4,000 tonnes annually through a transition to hydrogen-rich coke oven gas. The new energy supply system, commissioned on October 29, 2026, will power the site's melting furnaces using industrial gas containing more than 60 per cent hydrogen. The coke oven gas is sourced from ArcelorMittal's coking plant in neighbouring Bottrop and supplied to Trimet through Uniper Energy Sales via the existing gas pipeline network. A new supply line, approximately 700 metres long, was installed to connect the recycling facility at Gelsenkirchen's inland port to the network. According to Trimet, coke oven gas generates lower CO2 emissions during...
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In the verdant landscapes of China’s southwest, a grand quest to transform the aluminium industry into a flagbearer of sustainability encounters turbulent waters. Reuters reports on the challenges faced by major players like China Hongqiao Group amidst erratic rainfall, shifting capacities, and the quest for greener pastures. China Hongqiao Group and others embarked on a journey to Yunnan province, enticed by promises of abundant hydropower. However, as rains faltered, so did the reliability of electricity, casting shadows over the envisioned capacity shifts. Despite aspirations for low-carbon production, the hydro crunch in Yunnan compelled smelters to reduce output, hampering China’s broader energy transition efforts. Plans for new facilities face delays, with operational challenges...
Graza, a leading olive oil brand, has made a significant stride in sustainability with its innovative nitrogen-sealed 'aluminium beer can' refills. This unique packaging method, a first in the industry, ensures the quality of the oil remains uncompromised, setting it apart from traditional packaging options. The minds behind Graza, Andrew Benin and Allen Dushi, identified a crucial gap in the industry: the absence of a high-quality olive oil refill option. They observed that traditional large-bulk containers often lead to rapid oxidation, compromising the quality of the olive oil. The concept of the nitrogen-sealed ' aluminium beer can ' refills was born out of a mission by Benin and Dushi to develop a refillable solution that would preserve the integrity of their extra virgin olive oil...
Vista Metals has recently completed the construction of its seventh aluminium casthouse at Adairsville, Georgia. This achievement marks a pivotal point in the company's extensive $100 million long-term capital strategy and constitutes the second phase of the initiative. The newly established casthouse in Georgia encompasses integrating melting furnaces, homogenising ovens, and accompanying support apparatus. VMC Specialty Alloys LLC, also known as Vista Metals Georgia, functions under a licensing arrangement with Vista Metals Corp, headquartered in Fontana, CA. With Vista Progressive Metals LLC, a key player in aluminium lithium products, this consortium stands at the forefront of manufacturing speciality aluminium products. Its products cater to diverse sectors, including aerospace,...
Mandy Glew has been appointed as the President for EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) at Ball Corporation. She will be taking over Carey Causey who transitioned to the role of SVP and chief growth officer in January. Causey temporarily served as interim president of the Europe, Middle East, and Asia (EMEA) region until Glew's appointment. Glew's journey with Ball Packaging began in 2020 after an extensive 23-year tenure at Procter & Gamble, where she held various sales and marketing management positions. Armed with a PhD in chemistry and additional studies in managerial finance from the London School of Economics, Glew brings a wealth of expertise to her new role. During her previous tenure as commercial VP for the EMEA region, Glew outlined the company's ambitious objectives to...
Chinese can manufacturer Bosun New Material & Technology Co (BNM) has unveiled what they claim to be the first rectangular peel-off end of its size, along with a peel-off end featuring a built-in straw insertion capability. The F316 rectangular peel-off end has been designed with either a retortable aluminium foil or transparent membrane, catering to diverse packaging needs such as seafood, meat, or ready meals. The PO! Peel-off end features a straw insertion mechanism and is engineered for hassle-free usage. It is compatible with a range of materials, including steel and aluminium, and boasts high-temperature resistance. These pioneering developments were showcased at the recent Latamcan conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The peel-off feature incorporates a conveniently perforated...
Mexico has reportedly lifted tariffs on aluminium imports from certain countries that do not have sufficient supplies. As per the report, Mexico has revoked a 35 per cent tariff on primary unalloyed aluminium and a 20 per cent tariff on primary alloy that were placed in late April to check imports from China and elsewhere. Explaining the decision, the Mexican government said that the supply of raw unalloyed or alloyed aluminium in countries with which Mexico signed an international treaty of trade matters was inadequate for the automotive and electronics industries. Originally, tariffs were imposed to provide certain and fair market conditions to the domestic industry that faced situations of vulnerability caused by international trade. The tariffs were designed in large packages...
LME aluminium opened at US$2,570 per tonne in the previous trading day, with its low and high at US$2570 per tonne and US$2,577 per tonne respectively before closing at US$2,573 per tonne, up 0.19 per cent. On Thursday, May 9, both LME aluminium cash bid price and LME aluminium official settlement price increased by US$5 per tonne or 0.20 per cent and US$6 per tonne or 0.24 per cent to settle at US$2,492 per tonne and US$2,494 per tonne. 3-month bid price and 3-month offer price grew by US$11.5 per tonne or 0.45 per cent and US$11 per tonne or 0.43 per cent to clock at US$2,540.50 per tonne and US$2,541 per tonne. December 25 bid price and December 25 offer price moved up by US$2 per tonne or 0.07 per cent to arrive at US$2,670 per tonne and US$2,675 per tonne. LME aluminium opening stock...
According to a Bloomberg report on Wednesday, May 8, Hindalco Industries Limited is seeking about $1.2 billion in the initial public offering of its US-based unit Novelis. The aim is to list Novelis on the New York Stock Exchange by September 2024. Hindalco, one of India’s largest aluminium producers, targets to draw a value of $18 billion for Novelis. But Hindalco has refused to comment and so has Novelis on Reuters’ request. In late February, Novelis confidentially filed paperwork for a US IPO, with sole stakeholder Hindalco selling shares. Bank of America and Citigroup are the two banks working on listing Novelis on New York Stock Exchange. Earlier this week, Novelis announced its fourth quarter FY2024 fiscal results, disclosing a 6 per cent Y-o-Y growth in net income to $166 million...
Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) has begun new chapter of expansion with the acquisition of ATEK Metal Technologies, an esteemed Iowa-based aluminium castings manufacturer. This acquisition not only signifies growth but also embodies a nostalgic return to roots, intertwining the legacies of both companies. Under the astute leadership of CEO Sachin Shivaram , WAF has diligently crafted its path towards expansion, leveraging acquisitions as pivotal milestones in its journey. "ATEK is a key supplier to leading motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson. More than 100 years ago, Harley was among WAF's foundational customers in the early 1900s, and with this acquisition, we're pleased to have this story come full circle, and with the strong relationship ATEK leadership has forged with all its...
On May 8, 2024, Reuters reported that top executives from BMW and Volkswagen cautioned against implementing EU import tariffs on Chinese manufacturers' electric vehicles. They argued that such measures could disrupt the European Union's Green Deal agenda and negatively impact automakers reliant on importing cars from China. The European Commission, responsible for trade policy across the EU's 27 member states, initiated an inquiry in October to assess whether fully electric vehicles produced in China were benefiting from unfair subsidies, potentially justifying additional tariffs. After the company reported its quarterly results, BMW's CEO, Oliver Zipse, warned, "You could very quickly shoot yourself in the foot." BMW is bringing Mini EVs and the iX3 from China to Europe, joining the...
Spot prices for India's aluminium alloy ADC12 ingot declined by INR 3,000 per tonne, now standing at INR 216,000 per tonne week-on-week exw Delhi NCR. As per BigMint's latest assessment, tense scrap prices also saw a decrease, reaching INR 185,000 per tonne ex-Delhi, marking a weekly decline of INR 2,500 per tonne. This has widened the scrap-to-ADC12 spread to INR 31,000 per tonne. Market sources have indicated that tense offers in Chennai are currently around INR 188,000 per tonne, while spot prices for ADC12 in Chennai range between INR 219,000 to INR 222,000 per tonne ex-works on immediate terms, excluding GST. Trends in ADC12 market Amidst the downturn in tense prices across the northern region, the pricing of semi-finished products has taken a hit, with a noticeable slowdown in...
Google unleashes its latest innovation, the Pixel 8a, a smartphone that promises to redefine user experience with premium AI features and a sleek design. Pioneering the A-series lineup, the Pixel 8a combines cutting-edge technology with sustainable materials, including 100% recyclable aluminium, to deliver a device that excels in performance and sustainability. Premium design: Crafted with a matte aluminium frame and the security of Corning Gorilla Glass 3, the Pixel 8a boasts durability and style. Enhanced display: Featuring a 6.1-inch 120Hz Actua display with Always-on display and Now Playing features, the Pixel 8a offers a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Powerful performance: Powered by the Tensor G3 SoC, the Pixel 8a delivers seamless AI experiences, from Google Circle to...
Step into the world of precision-crafted aluminium profiles with Darshan Extrusions Pvt. Ltd. Established in 2013, this renowned manufacturer and wholesaler has been shaping the industry landscape with their commitment to quality and innovation. At Darshan Extrusions, quality is not just a promise but a way of life. They specialise in an array of high-quality aluminium sections, profiles, extrusions, channels, and more. Each product is meticulously crafted from top-notch materials sourced from trusted vendors, ensuring durability and reliability. Customisation for unique needs Recognising that every project has its distinct requirements, Darshan Extrusions offers customisable solutions . Whether it's specific dimensions, designs, or finishes, they cater to the unique specifications...
The world primary aluminium market demonstrated a modest growth trajectory in 2023 despite a few challenges like geo-political crises, inflation, economic slowdown, and high rate of bank interest. Both production and consumption of primary aluminium grew hand-in-hand, reaching approximately 70.6 million tonnes and 70.1 million tonnes, respectively. Consequently, exports saw an uptick, having China the net importer of primary metal. Notably, in 2023, China's primary aluminum imports surged by 130.7 percent from the previous year, totaling 1.543 million tonnes. In 2023, the leading exporters of primary aluminum were Canada, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Russia, India, and Australia, while the top importers included the United States of America, South Korea, China, Germany, and Japan....
TESEM stands as a global frontrunner in crafting metal and plastic components for luxury packaging. Renowned for its expertise, the company manufactures aluminium and plastic parts catering to diverse sectors, including perfume & cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and spirits. As per the latest report, TESEM's collaboration with Smartlabs unfolded within a landscape marked by distinct opportunities and challenges. A notable opportunity arose in advancing the sustainability profile of their aluminium components and holistic packaging solutions while upholding or enhancing critical performance attributes. Simultaneously, the challenge lay in refining solutions and procedures to mitigate complexity, costs, and environmental footprints. About Constellium's Smartlabs Constellium's Smartlabs proved...
Shandong Hongcan Material Technology Co., Ltd., the subsidiary of China Hongqiao Group, one of the world's largest aluminium producers covering the entire aluminium industry chain, stands at the forefront of innovation and efficiency in China's manufacturing sector. This pioneering company is revolutionising the production of automotive aluminium alloy structural parts, driving progress with remarkable strides. Shandong Hongcan Material Technology has recently achieved a remarkable feat by introducing China's pioneering "One Mould Four Outputs" technology. This revolutionary advancement enables a single mould to produce four automotive parts concurrently, marking a significant leap in production efficiency and cost reduction within the manufacturing realm. Through the seamless integration...
In an intriguing advancement aimed at consolidating its foothold in the emerging aluminium component manufacturing landscape, Craftsman Automation recently announced its acquisition of the residual 24% stake in DR Axion India (DRAIPL). This acquisition, following Craftsman's previous purchase of the 76% stake in DRAIPL in February 2023 , marks a significant milestone in the company's expansion journey. DR Axion India, with its specialisation in manufacturing aluminium cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, and auto components for passenger vehicles, presents a lucrative opportunity for Craftsman Automation to bolster its presence in the passenger vehicle segment. The acquisition is poised to unlock synergistic benefits, offering enhanced process efficiencies and access to DRAIPL's esteemed...
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has levied anti-dumping duty on aluminium road wheels imported from China. This action follows a review initiated by the designated authority, as outlined in notification number 7/13/2023-DGTR dated 30th September 2023, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, is aimed at ensuring fair trade practices and protecting the interests of the domestic industry. Review under sub-section (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act The designated authority, via notification number 7/13/2023-DGTR dated 30th September 2023, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, has instigated a review under sub-section (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975, and rule 23 of the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment, and...
