Ford has produced more than 5,000 large aluminium unicastings at its Shelbyville Technical Center as it advances manufacturing preparations for the Fathom midsize electric truck, scheduled to launch in 2027. The castings are being used for process testing and prototype assembly at the company's Louisville Assembly Plant. The Fathom will feature two large aluminium unicastings that replace 146 individual structural parts, significantly simplifying the vehicle's architecture. Ford says the approach reduces vehicle mass and improves overall energy efficiency, while introducing a different method of assembling vehicles through its new Universal Production System. The two large structures form the front and rear sections of the vehicle. By consolidating numerous components into fewer castings,...
AMAG Group reported around a 59 per cent increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to EUR 181 million (USD 202 million) in the first nine months of 2026, compared with EUR 114 million (USD 127 million) in the same period last year. Revenue rose 16.4 per cent to EUR 1.3 billion (USD 1.4 billion) from EUR 1.1 billion (USD 1.2 billion) in the first three quarters of 2025. Net income after taxes increased about 142 per cent to EUR 82 million (USD 91 million), up from EUR 34 million (USD 38 million). The Austrian aluminium producer attributed its performance to strong operations at its Ranshofen site, higher shipment volumes in the Rolling Division, and attractive market conditions for its Canadian aluminium smelter interest, Alouette. Cost-efficiency...
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A new way to kill COVID-19 virus on aluminium surfaces has been innovated by QUT scientists with the use of a wet-etching technique that forms random ‘nano-pillars’ proven to have both antiviral and antibacterial properties. Following the rounds of lab testing on the longevity of COVID-19 on metal surfaces, it has been found that the virus on a wet-etched surface dies in less than six hours. QUT medical devices specialist Professor Prasad Yarlagadda and virologist Professor Kirsten Spann primarily led the research and testing. The wet-etching process was tested in a lab by being applied to commercially available aluminium alloy 6063, commonly used for doorknobs and frames, window panels, and hospital and medical equipment. Professor Spann said they tested the virus that commonly causes...
Most trade associations that represent the US and Canadian aluminium industries cheered the US surprise announcement of removing tariffs on the Canadian aluminium. Some also took issue with the quota system that has taken place. “Canada’s aluminium industry is glad to regain its continued tariff-free entry into the US market as it strives to meet its integrated value chain requirements in a post-Covid recovery,” said Jean Simard in a statement, president and chief executive officer of the Aluminium Association of Canada. The US Chamber of Commerce and groups representing the US automotive sector also applauded the tariff removal. “What American manufacturers need now is certainty that these tariffs won’t make another reappearance,” said Myron Brilliant, the chamber's head of international...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative is pleased to welcome its 133rd member Euro Alloys in the General Supporter member class. Euro Alloys for over 30 years is successfully trading nonferrous metals globally, as the trading arm of one of the leading wire rod producers of the world – Sural. Euro Alloys is a leading specialist for the marketing and supply of aluminium and copper wire rod for the cable and steel industries. “We are looking to work with ASI in support of our clients in the aluminium cable and castings industry as part of the general focus on corporate social responsibility,” said Euro Alloys on being welcomed by ASI. Thomas Tumoscheit, Managing Director of Euro Alloys Ltd, said: “Euro Alloys is involved with various parts of the aluminium supply chain from primary production to...
The Aluminium Association of Canada has applauded the United States decision to remove recently reimplemented Section 232 tariffs on imports of unwrought, or P1020, aluminium from Canada. “Canada’s aluminium industry is glad to regain its continued tariff free entry into the U.S. market, as it strives to meet its integrated value chain requirements in a post-COVID recovery,” said Jean Simard, president & CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada. “Our shared future through a renewed CUSMA rightly deserves our best effort on behalf of our workers, their families and their communities.’’ “Our industry fully supports the Government of Canada’s position regarding the removal of tariffs and its clearly stated intention to retaliate at any point in time should the U.S. decide to reimplement...
Hycast AS, a fully owned subsidiary of Hydro, has entered into an agreement with Alu Iberica to provide casthouse technology for two aluminium plants in northern Spain. The contract worth €9.7 million includes design and supply of equipment for casting extrusion ingots based on recycled aluminium. The technology will now be used at Alu Iberica’s aluminium plants in Aviles and A Coruña. “We are pleased to be part of and contribute to the transformation of these plants, and to accelerate our own growth in such a competitive international market,” said Ola Furu, Head of Project and Sales in Hycast. “More than half of the contract’s amount is to be spent on material and services, which opens up for new opportunities for our local and regional suppliers.” Hycast, a leading, global supplier of...
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed the US decision of withdrawal the 10% tariff recently imposed on the imports of aluminium from Canada. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s Senior Director of International Trade, Mark Agnew, said, “Tariffs were the wrong instrument when they were first imposed in 2018, and they remained the wrong instrument until today. Our members will welcome the announcement today that the United States government is lifting tariffs for the time being on Canadian exports. It cannot be overstated that Canadian aluminum exports posed no national security threat to the United States, and that any action under Section 232 has always been unjustified and illegal. However, the United States has not unconditionally lifted its tariffs on Canadian aluminum and continues...
Gränges has inked an agreement for the acquisition of the remaining 49 per cent of the shares in GETEK GmbH as well as the business Dispal® for EUR 8.5 million from Erbslöh Aluminium GmbH. The deal includes assets, intellectual properties and trademark Dispal®. “GETEK and Dispal® adds new capabilities and capacity to expand Gränges’ offering of advanced aluminium materials within current and new customer segments. The acquisition will provide Gränges with capabilities for and give access to the fast-growing market for additive manufacturing powder materials. It is a good strategic fit for Gränges and enhances our platform for sustainable profitable growth,” said Johan Menckel, CEO of Gränges AB. The GETEK acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter 2020 and the...
According to Shanghai Metals Market, stocks of 6063 aluminium billet across five major consumption areas in China increased 4,000 tonnes from last week. Higher arrivals at warehouses accounted for the increase in aluminium billet stocks. Aluminium billet inventories came in at 67,600 tonne as of Thursday, 17 September 2020. Compared to last week, in Wuxi, Changzhou and Huzhou, the billet stocks dropped by 150 tonnes, 1,750 tonnes and 1,000 tonnes to stand at 12,700 tonnes, 8,810 tonnes and 9,000 tonne on Thursday, 17 September 2020. But the stocks in Foshan registered a hike of 2,800 tonnes from last Thursday. The stocks now stood at 19,800 tonnes. The inventories of aluminium billets in Nanchang increased from 13,200 tonnes to 17,300 today. That marks a growth of 4,100 tonnes. Note to...
The Shanghai Metals Market survey found that operating rates at aluminium plate and strip producers stood at 68.6 per cent in August, rising by 0.46 percentage point from the month earlier. However, on a year-on-year basis, the operating rates stood down by 1.76 percentage points, according to SMM. Backlog orders at producers could help them sustain production for 20 days on average, up 3 days from July. Production schedules at large producers were 21-45 days, while at smaller manufacturers were just 14 days. Orders for construction and decorative plate and strip were largely stable but for can stock and can tab weakened following summer high season. Demand for PS printing plates and 3C electronics materials was also weak, while demand for automotive sheet recovered slightly. Exports are...
The North Country Chamber of Commerce welcomed the US decision of lifting the recently-imposed 10 percent tariff on Canadian aluminium imports. "We and other partners across the country have been seeking the quick reversal of this self-harming tariff and we are pleased to see it has been withdrawn before doing greater economic damage, and before Canada understandably deployed countermeasures," stated Garry Douglas, Chamber President. Douglas concluded, "This tariff was bad for U.S. competitiveness and jobs, bad for Alcoa and its employees in the North Country based upon the high degree of integration of Alcoa operations here and in Quebec, and an added cost to our region's all important cross border supply chains, without which we would not have the dynamic and growing manufacturing...
Secat, Inc., a metallurgical research laboratory specializing in aluminium product and process technologies, appoints Todd Boggess as President and hires Dr Nick Nanninga as Technical Director. Todd Boggess joined Secat Inc. in 2001 as Business Manager, where he was responsible for HR, Finance and Accounts. In 2012, he was promoted to VP Business Development and General Manager. Todd received a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Western Kentucky University. Todd states “Secat is the leading independent provider of metallurgical services for the aluminium industry. The incredibly talented and dedicated staffs are the core strength of our business, and I look forward to building on the many successes that have already been accomplished.” Dr Nick...
Canada has dropped its threat to impose retaliatory sanctions against U.S. aluminium products after Washington announced its decision to remove a 10% levy on Canadian aluminium imports. Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland welcomed the decision at a press conference in Ottawa on Tuesday. Canadian Trade Minister Mary Ng welcomed the US decision to drop its tariffs. Mary Ng said, "Canada will not be imposing reciprocal counter-measures on the United States." The US declared that it would no longer impose a 10% tariff on Canadian aluminium imports. It has been presumed that following the rise of retaliation from Ottawa, Donald Trump administration has changed its mind. The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) said in a statement: "After consultations...
China's unwrought aluminium alloy imports in June 2020 increased by 88.3 per cent month-on-month and 754.5 per cent year-on-year to stand at 131,000 tonnes, in contrast to the downfall in exports, according to the latest China customs data. With this hike in imports, China secured total 466,500 tonnes of unwrought aluminium alloy in the first half of 2020. On a year-on-year calculation, China’s total unwrought aluminium alloy imports in H1 2020 surged by 706.1 per cent. This stupendous hike in China’s unwrought aluminium alloy imports in June 2020 could be attributed to the sharp rise in orders for imported aluminium alloy from late April in tandem with the growth in demand. Almost all the cargoes arrived in June. However, in July, the imports are likely to reduce below 100,000 tonnes...
The industrial sector in Chile contributed 30% of GDP in 2019 and employed 22.8% of the working population, the same as in 2018, according to the World Bank. However, the sector has increased by 4.3 in 2019, showing signs of great productivity. According to the updated IMF forecasts from 14th April 2020, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, GDP growth is expected to fall to -4.5% in 2020 and pick up to 5.3% in 2021, subject to the post-pandemic global economic recovery. The Latin American nation’s importation of aluminium bar rods and profiles during 2017-19, reflects a sudden growth with a gradual fall, as the import volume recorded during the phase remains at 39,677 tonnes and the revenue expenditure occurred stands at $147.14 million. The projected import for 2020 has been marked at...
Hind Aluminium Industries Limited, a manufacturer of aluminium & alloy conductors and aluminium wire rods for use in power transmission and distribution applications, announced consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 2020. The company reported net loss of INR 2.86 crore in the quarter ended June 2020 as against net loss of INR 0.84 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2019. Sales of Hind Aluminium stood at INR 20.67 crore in the quarter ended June 2020, a drop of 84.78% year-on-year. The company had reported sales of INR135.83 crore during the previous quarter ended June 2019. Hind Aluminium Industries Limited is engaged in manufacturing conductors for power transmission and distribution in Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Silvassa (UT), India. The plant also manufactures...
The specialty chemicals group ALTANA has expanded its portfolio in industrial 3D printing with the acquisition of the British company Aluminium Materials Technologies Ltd. (AMT). AMT develops the patented special alloy A20X for 3D printing, setting new standards in strength and weight. “AMT and its A20X alloy complement TLS’ capabilities, enabling us to offer users even more high-performance materials in the future, including in the aerospace industry, a key market for metallic 3D printing,” said Dr. Wolfgang Schütt, head of ALTANA's ECKART Division. With the economic challenges posed by Covid-19, the importance of 3D printing will continue to grow. ALTANA has also acquired the business of TLS Technik GmbH & Co. Spezialpulver KG, an internationally leading manufacturer of metal powders...
Constellium announced it will participate at the upcoming conference. The company’s Jean-Marc Germain, Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Matt, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will participate in the virtual Credit Suisse Annual Basic Materials Conference on Tuesday, September 15, 2020. The fireside chat is planned to begin at 10:15 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). Live access will be available on the Constellium Investor Relations website. Constellium is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value added aluminium products for aerospace, automotive and packaging. The company generated €5.9 billion of revenue in 2019. Note to readers: AlCircle brings two-day event for aluminium industry players. We look forward to meeting you virtually at “Global Aluminium...
Last week during September 7-11, operating rates across major aluminium processors increased by 0.3 percentage point on a weekly basis to stand at 77.7 per cent, attributing to further recovery in orders for aluminium plate/sheet, strip, foil, primary and secondary aluminium alloy from the automobile, construction, electronics, and packaging sectors. According to Shanghai Metals Market, the automobile sector emerged as the major driver of aluminium demand last week, while demand from the construction and infrastructure sectors grew less than expected. Aluminium plate/sheet and strip: Backed on the backlog orders, large producers are expected to sustain for the next 1 to 2 months with rising operating rates. Orders improved for most producers. Orders for 5-series and 6-series plain...
