AlCircle News Edited By "Sarnali Chakraborty"

Sarnali Chakraborty is a content writer with 2 years of experience. She has written articles on various genres like technical, creative, medical, to name some. Here in Alcircle she will be curating articles on the metal industry, writing newsletters and other online and offline content.

ADNOC & EGA sign $500 M petcoke supply deal, a key raw material in aluminium production
ADNOC and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) have inked a landmark five-year supply deal worth $500 million (AED 1.84 billion), securing up to 1.5 million tonnes of calcined petroleum coke (petcoke), a crucial ingredient in aluminium production. Announced at the high-profile 'Make it in the Emirates' event in Abu Dhabi, the agreement highlights ADNOC's drive to power the UAE's industrial future and strengthen homegrown supply chains. This strategic partnership not only fuels EGA's aluminium operations but also reinforces the nation's vision of becoming a global hub for sustainable, value-added manufacturing. Under the new agreement, ADNOC Refining will meet at least 30 per cent of EGA's calcined petcoke needs directly from its Ruwais Refinery over the next five years. This move marks a...

Adriana Nicolae takes helm as the new GM of L’OCCITANE's Travel Retail APAC Division
The L’OCCITANE Group, a certified B Corporation and leader in premium sustainable beauty and wellness, has named Adriana Nicolae as its new General Manager, Travel Retail APAC. In this dynamic role, Nicolae will be at the forefront of redefining the brand’s travel retail presence across Asia-Pacific, supported by the expertise and passion of the Group’s seasoned APAC travel retail team. Her leadership marks an exciting new chapter in L’OCCITANE’s journey to inspire beauty that goes beyond borders. Adriana Nicolae commented, ‘I am excited to lead our efforts in a dynamic sector that connects travellers with unique products and experiences. The APAC region is a strategic hub for travel retail with a rapidly evolving market landscape. I look forward to collaborating with our talented travel...

Global spotlight on aluminium dross: Who's leading the dross production & aluminium recovery rate?
Aluminium dross, a once-ignored by-product of the aluminium industry, is now stepping into the spotlight. Formed as a thin, skin-like layer on molten aluminium during melting and processing, dross is the result of natural surface oxidation. For years, it was treated as industrial waste, routinely dumped into landfills. This not only posed serious environmental hazards but also led to the loss of valuable aluminium and other materials locked within the dross. But times have changed. Today, with sustainability high on the industry's agenda, dross is no longer an afterthought. It's become a focal point in the push toward a circular aluminium economy. Thanks to cutting-edge technologies, recovery rates now exceed 95 per cent, turning what was once a liability into a high-value resource....

HAI & LS Cable launches new US$ 50 M aluminium extrusion plant in South Korea
Hammerer Aluminium Industries (HAI), in collaboration with strategic partner LS Cable & System, has officially inaugurated a new extrusion production hall in Gumi, located in South Korea's Gyeongsangbuk-do province. The state-of-the-art 13,800 m² facility, equipped with a fully automated extrusion line, represents a significant milestone following a €46 million (US$50.1 million) investment. The opening ceremony for the site was held on May 15, 2025. HAI Materials Korea (HAIMK) will produce complex aluminium components for the South Korean market at the new facility. The site features a fully automated extrusion line with a pressing force of 60 meganewtons, along with comprehensive upstream and downstream systems to support advanced manufacturing processes. Also read : HAI expands capacity...

Premier Energies unlocks new deal with Nuevosol, aims to build a 36,000 MT aluminium extrusion facility in India
Premier Energies, a fully integrated manufacturer of solar cells and modules, has unlocked two significant joint venture agreements (JV). The agreements unlock significant potential in the solar manufacturing industry. The first one signed with Hyderabad-based Nuevosol Energy Pvt. Ltd., a leading producer of solar PV mounting structures aims to manufacture aluminium-based solar module frames and other value-added components essential to solar module production. Under the agreement, Premier Energies will hold a majority stake in the venture. The JV plans to establish a 36,000 MT per year aluminium extrusion and anodising facility in Seetharampuram, Telangana, to support Premier Energies' solar manufacturing ecosystem. Commercial operations are slated to commence in FY 2027. A 74:26 joint...

MBRSC shines bright with its MBZ-SAT featuring CelestiAL solar aluminium at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) is all set to showcase its advanced innovations at Make it in the Emirates (MIITE) 2025, one of the UAE's premier industrial events, serving as a platform to promote innovation, investment, and industrial growth across various sectors. MBRSC will showcase MBZ-SAT—the region's most advanced satellite—as a pioneering example of how space technology can drive industrial development, innovation, and collaboration. Launched into orbit on January 14 this year, this landmark mission underscores the UAE's expanding expertise in next-generation satellite technology. It reflects the nation's ambition to establish itself as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and space innovation. MBZ-SAT, engineered entirely by Emirati talent, marks a bold new...

Aluminium Dunkerque’s sustainable milestone: Launches new recycling furnace & signs a 10-year electricity supply agreement
Aluminium Dunkerque, a leading producer of primary aluminium in Europe, has taken a bold step toward greener metal production with the launch of its new Furnace 8, a state-of-the-art melting furnace dedicated to aluminium recycling. This innovation will enable the plant to recycle 7,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap annually, boosting output by 20,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium each year. More than just a furnace, this development is a part of Aluminium Dunkerque's wider mission to support reindustrialisation in France and reduce dependence on high-carbon aluminium imports. Furnace 8 aims to slash CO2 emissions by 10 per cent of ingots produced, cutting a total of 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Guillaume de Goÿs, CEO of Aluminium Dunkerque, said, "Each year, France still exports nearly...

VulCan Packaging launches North America’s first commercial-scale aTULC™ aluminium can manufacturing unit
North America's beverage industry just got a major sustainability upgrade. Introducing VulCan Packaging — the first and only commercial-scale manufacturer of aTULC™ aluminium cans in the region. Backed by cutting-edge clean technology, VulCan is redefining how beverage cans are made, setting a new gold standard in eco-friendly packaging. Leading this bold new chapter are industry experts Alvin Widitora, Dana Abernathy, and Scott Fore, whose combined vision and leadership are driving VulCan's mission to deliver cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable can solutions at scale. VulCan Packaging is revolutionising aluminium can manufacturing in North America with the launch of the region's only aTULC™ (aluminium Toyo Ultimate Can) production line. This cutting-edge, proprietary technology sets a...

LS Materials completes EV parts factory in Gumi, eyes annual sales of $148M by 2030
LS Materials is gearing up for a major market push with the completion of its cutting-edge lightweight parts factory in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province. Designed to serve the booming electric vehicle and mobility sectors, the facility is set to kick off mass production in the second half of this year. With bold ambitions, the company is targeting annual sales of 200 billion won (US$148 million) in this space by 2030, signalling its serious intent to become a key player in the future of sustainable mobility. Gumi is the second largest and most densely populated city in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. South Korea is a major player in the EV market, with a strong focus on both manufacturing and battery technology. South Korea’s electric vehicle market is accelerating at full speed,...

Strong market momentum for Western Carriers: Uptick in shares following deal with BALCO
Incorporated in March 2011, Western Carriers (India) limited a multi-modal, rail-focused, 4PL asset-light logistics company has clinched a landmark Consolidated Finished Goods Material Handling contract from Bharat Aluminium Company Limited. The deal valued at around INR 70 crore (US$ 9.3 million) can be categorised as a major win in the domestic logistics space. This high-impact deal covers end-to-end services including material handling, loading and unloading, stacking, and transportation with shifting. Industry watchers are closely tracking this development as a significant growth catalyst for Western Carriers. Scheduled for execution over the next 36 months, the contract not only underscores Western Carriers’ operational prowess but also secures a steady, long-term revenue stream,...

Dudley's Aluminium & Inspire Green's smart move: Aims to install solar-powered EV charging stations in Cardiff
Solar panels aren't just shiny rooftop add-ons anymore—they're silent powerhouses turning sunlight into serious savings and sustainability. And now, the Cardiff-based aluminium fabricator Dudley's Aluminium along with Inspire Green, a South Wales-based renewable energy company, is powering up for a greener future. Together, they aim to install 192 high-efficiency solar panels and solar-powered EV charging stations on Dudley's production facility in Cardiff. This will help the company cut down on emissions and energy costs. Josh Powell, founder of Inspire Green, said, "We're incredibly proud to support a local business like Dudley's Aluminium on their net zero journey and to play our part in building a more sustainable future." With this system in place, Dudley's Aluminium is set to reduce...

Bunting Magnetics’ new manufacturing facility in Kansas to boost aluminium cans printing technology globally
Bunting Magnetics, a name synonymous with the printing and packaging industry since 1974, is recognised as one of the most respected and trustworthy names in the print industry. Recently the US-based company has taken a significant leap forward in its global manufacturing capabilities with the grand unveiling of its cutting-edge production facility in Newton, Kansas. This new state-of-the-art plant is set to bolster the company’s role as a key supplier of magnetic cylinders used in the high-speed printing of aluminium beverage and aerosol cans. The facility was officially introduced to the public during a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a proud milestone in Bunting’s journey and reinforcing its commitment to innovation, precision, and support for the ever-evolving packaging...

Novelis Aluminum Zhenjiang grants FAC to Primetals for its Phase 2 hot rolling-mill automation upgrade
Chinese aluminium producer Novelis Aluminum Zhenjiang has granted Primetals Technologies the Final Acceptance Certificate (FAC) for Phase 2 of an automation upgrade at its hot-rolling mill in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province. This phase involved comprehensive hardware and software enhancements aimed at boosting production stability and ensuring long-term operational resilience. In a parallel development, Primetals Technologies also received the FAC for a full-scale modernisation of the mill’s Level 1 automation system, which included updated operating systems and the implementation of a new human-machine interface (HMI). Phase 1 of the project was executed under a tight timeline, with only eight months between contract signing and final acceptance. Despite facing procurement delays and...

Leeds-based aluminium doors & windows manufacturer receives seven-figure investments
One of the leading window and door manufacturers and suppliers in the North of England, Alternative Windows has recently received a seven-figure investment, which is linked to the expansion of the company. The recent investment was led by Ben Watson, who has taken on the role of chief executive officer, joined by Ian Smith as aluminium sales director, while former sales director Darren Pratt has been promoted to managing director and joined the board. Established in 1988 by shareholders and directors Nigel Fletcher and Darren Barraclough, the Leeds-based company has grown into a key supplier of uPVC and aluminium doors and windows. With a prestigious client portfolio, Alternative Windows carries out refit projects within the social housing sector and supplies aluminium products to the...

OnePlus 13s to soon mark its entry in the Indian market – expected to feature aluminium frame & Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset
The smartphone world is abuzz once again as OnePlus gears up to launch its highly anticipated OnePlus 13s in India. With the first official teaser already creating hype, excitement is mounting among tech enthusiasts and loyal fans of the brand. Smartphone launches from OnePlus have consistently drawn significant attention, and the OnePlus 13s is no exception. Offering a sleek design, fresh colour options, and a compact form factor, the OnePlus 13s is already sparking conversations across the tech community. The device is expected to feature an aluminium frame, a 6.32-inch display coupled with dual-camera setup. To be launched on June 5th, OnePlus 13s has already started gaining loads of attention. An aluminium alloy body in smartphones like the upcoming OnePlus 13s offers users several...

Pioneering green logistics: Hindalco & Vizag Multipurpose Terminal to build India’s first fully automated alumina handling terminal
In a significant step towards modernising India’s port logistics and advancing sustainable trade, Vizag Multipurpose Terminal — a joint venture between India Potash Ltd and J M Baxi Ports & Logistics — has signed a strategic agreement with Hindalco Industries. Together, they will develop India’s first fully-automated, sustainable alumina handling facility at the EQ-07 berth of Visakhapatnam Port. Image Source: J M Baxi Group / Linkedln The new terminal will be the first in India to offer fully mechanised alumina handling, removing the need for manual operations and streamlining cargo movement. By shifting from road to rail, the facility will enable the transport of alumina from Hindalco’s refinery in Odisha directly to the port via railway rakes, improving operational efficiency while...

Potma develops lightweight & durable aluminium honeycomb structures, ideal for ships & rail vehicles
Headquartered in Finland, Potma has created an advanced aluminium honeycomb-structured construction material tailored for high-performance industries. A specialised adhesive developed by Kiilto plays a crucial role in the integrity and performance of these innovative panels. These structures are highly corrosion resistant and comply with stringent fire safety standards, making them a reliable and versatile solution for various industrial applications. Inspired by the natural geometry of a beehive, Potma’s honeycomb structures are ideal for weight-sensitive applications and modular design solutions. Completely recyclable, these panels offer a sustainable solution with minimal hassle. Since there’s no need to remove adhesives or coatings, the panels can be recycled in their entirety, ready...

Chance Aluminum bags the Governor's Achievement Award for its outstanding support towards workforce & economic development
Advance Central PA, the regional workforce development board, is proud to announce that Chance Aluminum Corporation of Williamsport has received a Governor's Achievement Award. Presented jointly by the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association and the Department of Labor and Industry, this prestigious award honours companies with exceptional commitment to workforce development, community engagement, and economic growth throughout the Commonwealth. Chance Aluminum was recognised for its strong partnership with PA CareerLink, which has been instrumental in supporting the company's expansion and enhancing employee skill development opportunities. "At Chance Aluminum, our commitment to innovation and growth extends beyond our products – it's reflected in our people," stated Sara Oleck,...
