India-based KEC International Limited is pushing ahead with Phase II of its aluminium conductor capacity expansion, even as a difficult second quarter dragged consolidated profit down. The Q2 FY27 investor presentation, dated November 2, lists the expansion as underway in its Cables & Conductors business, one of the few segments that grew in the quarter. The update comes over a year after KEC’s commissioning of the first phase of the plant in Vadodara in February 2025, marking an investment of about INR 600 million (USD 6.33 million). The company has not disclosed the capacity to be added, the investment or a completion date. Explore AL Circle’s report ALuminium Wires & Cables - Insights & Forecast to 2030 for insights into aluminium applications, industry developments and opportunities...
Canadian aluminum fencing supplier PrimeAlux has appointed Shapes Unlimited, Inc. as its authorised US distributor, giving American contractors, fence dealers and builders a local channel to access its aluminum fence panels, gates and privacy screens. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, PrimeAlux said Shapes Unlimited, based in North Jackson, Ohio, will manage pricing, orders and customer support for its products across the US. The arrangement allows buyers to source the company's aluminum fencing systems through a domestic distributor rather than importing them independently. Shapes Unlimited is a privately held fabricator and wholesale distributor of aluminum building products that has served the trade since 1996. Under the agreement, the company will make PrimeAlux's product range...
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China will export 14.4 per cent more aluminium semis in 20016 than the corresponding period previous year, after a spike in 2015, SMM expects. Intensified competition among domestic downstream market players will drive down processing fees for aluminium semis. This, along with improving product quality, will further strengthen competitiveness of Chinese aluminium semis in the international market, said an aluminium analyst from SMM. According to customs data, China’s aluminium semis exports declined to 370,000 tonnes in December 2015 from 397,400 tonnes in November. SMM attributes this decline to the rising SHFE/LME aluminium price ratio. In 2015, China exported 4.2 million tonnes of aluminium semis, of which, extrusion exports alone zoomed 39.1 per cent to 1.19 million tonnes;...
Preliminary estimates indicate that aluminum demand in the United States and Canada (shipments by domestic producers plus imports) totaled an estimated 23,798 million pounds through November 2015, up nine-tenths of one percent over the same period last year. Demand for semi-fabricated (mill) products totaled 16,960 million pounds, up 4.2 percent. Apparent consumption (demand less exports) in domestic markets totaled an estimated 21,143 million pounds, increasing 4.3 percent year-todate. Aluminum net shipments (including exports) by domestic U.S. and Canadian facilities totaled an estimated 1,700 million pounds during December, down 2.8 percent from the December 2014 total of 1,749 million pounds. Shipments of aluminum mill products decreased 1.0 percent from the previous year to 1,142...
Improving sales in most of the world helped Ford Motor Co. achieve a record pre-tax profit in 2015, and the company says the numbers could go even higher this year. Full-year pretax profit jumped 48 per cent to $US10.8 billion ($A15.33 billion) as its global sales and market share grew. Ford's US sales reached their highest level in a decade, and its F-Series pickup remained the best-selling vehicle in the US for the 34th straight year. A change in the way Ford accounts for its pension costs also boosted pretax results. Bob Shanks, Ford's chief financial officer, said 2015 was the 'breakthrough year' Ford promised after it spent heavily in 2014 to build new plants in Asia and bring a new, aluminium-sided F-150 pickup to market in the US. Ford expects this year's pretax profit to be equal...
According to the preliminary findings of an anti-dumping investigation by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Trinidad and Tobago, China is guilty of dumping metal products in the country. The action has been determined to have caused “injury” to local enterprise involved in the marketing of similar products, one particular trader having had to reduce prices by some 13 percent in order to compete with the Chinese products entering the local market. The preliminary findings, handed down this month by Minister of Trade and Industry Paula Gopee-Scoon, relate to a 2014 complaint brought in relation to aluminium extrusions, namely aluminium bars, rods, tubes and pipes. “The Minister of Trade and Industry has, arising from the investigation into the allegation of the dumping described...
China Zhongwang Holdings, the world's second largest and Asia's and China's largest producer of industrial aluminium extrusion products is planning to come up with an aluminium-body automobile manufacturing plant in Yingkou City, Liaoning. Operations at the project, with a planned investment of 6 billion yuan ($913 million), is scheduled to start in October 2017, reported industry sources. The aluminium-body automobile production base having an estimated annual vehicle production capacity of 50,000 units will be built in two phases. Investment in the first phase has been estimated to be around 3 billion yuan. The project will essentially churn out aluminium-body oil tanks and aluminum fire-fighting trucks along with other utility vehicles, said industry sources.
Chinese aluminium alloy exports increased 58 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in December to reach 8,991 mt in December 2015, while declining 17.71 per cent y-o-y during January-December period, showed data published by China's General Administration of Customs on January 26. Australia supplied maximum quantity of the alloy which amounted to 2,572 mt in December and 14,386 mt in the one year period, both the figures showing a significant rise from the corresponding period previous year. Imports from most of the countries, on the other hand, declined- a trend which indicates at the slowing demand of aluminium alloy in the country. Import of aluminium semis too dropped 15 per cent y-o-y in December and 5.6 per cent in the one year period. China's cumulative consumption of aluminium bar, rod,...
CARSTAR Canada has launched a series of one-day aluminium repair information sessions. The events take place at CARSTAR Vision Park in Hamilton, Ontario. The first of these sessions took place January 26. The next is set for January 27, with two more events scheduled for February 17 and 18. The information sessions are focused on providing CARSTAR’s franchise and insurance partners with a better understanding of the processes used in aluminium repair. Each event follows a set pattern. Representatives of CARSTAR and Pro Spot deliver classroom style presentations on the process, including the importance of making sure the right tools and training are in place before a facility attempts aluminium repair. At the January 26 session, Bill Davidge of CARSTAR and Art Ewing of Pro Spot delivered...
Novelis, the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, announced the creation of two executive positions, Vice President of Sales and Marketing Global Can, and Vice President of Sales and Marketing Global Automotive. Effective April 1, 2016, these new positions will allow Novelis to more seamlessly serve its global customer base and accelerate its global integration strategy. Andy King has been named Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Global Can. In this new role, King will be responsible for driving can business growth, product branding and marketing, and portfolio management across all global markets. Prior to this position, King served as Vice President and General Manager, Can, Novelis Asia. King has held a number of leadership positions with the company since 1996 and has...
Lightweight metals leader Alcoa announced a long-term supply agreement with Boeing for multi-material aerospace parts. Under this agreement, Alcoa will supply components for the 777X-Boeing’s newest commercial airplane-the 737 MAX-scheduled for first delivery in 2017-and the 787 Dreamliner. The deal draws on capabilities gained through the Firth Rixson acquisition and the company’s new aluminium-lithium facility in Lafayette, Indiana. “This is the latest in a series of Boeing contract wins made possible by Alcoa’s recent aerospace investments,” said Alcoa Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Klaus Kleinfeld. “Alcoa has successfully built a strong leadership position in this market and we are proud to see our home-grown innovations and new products create value for our customers.” Under...
Leading metal processing technology and equipment manufacturer Granco Clark, in their latest issue of quarterly newsletter- Precision, has updated on their four major technology inventions which they will be showcasing at this year’s ET16 to be held in Chicago from May 2-6. Below are the important features and functionality of Granco’s aluminium billet precision technology solutions: Granco Clark Hot Billet Saw The Granco Clark Hot Billet Saw makes smooth, accurate cuts with no deformation. Maximizing an extrusion system’s efficiency, this saw cuts billets to the precise size required just before they enter the press cycle, eliminating the need to stock multiple-length billets. This saw can deliver 100% log consumption. Its compensation-cut system “thinks ahead” and avoids unusable end...
During Architect@Work London, The Valspar Corporation will be exhibiting in booth #48 and featuring two of its most recognizable architectural coatings brands – Syntha Pulvin® powder coatings and Fluropon® liquid coatings. Architect@Work (A@W) London will be held at the Olympia London in the National Hall, January 27-28. With a distinguished 43-year history in the U.K., Valspar's Syntha Pulvin is the premier architectural powder coatings brand in Europe. Trusted by approved applicators across Europe, Syntha Pulvin powder coatings are available in a wide range of colours, textures and performance levels. At A@W, Valspar will introduce Syntha Pulvin's newest offerings: Anodite is a new generation of architectural polyester powder coatings with a smooth, low-gloss, metallic appearance...
Kobe Steel, Ltd. has developed a 7000 series aluminium alloy called 7K55 that offers both outstanding stress corrosion cracking resistance and high yield strength in the 400 N/mm2 class. 7K55 has already been adopted for use as an extrusion for bumper beams by a Japanese automaker. Kobe Steel aims to expand the application of this new aluminium alloy in the future. In the automotive sector, the need for lighter car bodies is growing due to stronger environmental regulations in recent years. Aluminium extrusions for bumper beams and the body framework are an effective way to lighten the weight of cars. As a result, demand for aluminium extrusions is expanding. Bumper beams absorb the energy of a collision and serve to protect passengers from the impact. The 7000 series aluminium alloys,...
The 4th Automotive Lightweight Procurement Symposium will be kicked off on the 11th of July 2016 at the Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel in Shanghai, China. The AluMag Symposium, which was held the first time in Düsseldorf (Germany) back in 2014, has experienced a steady growth in attendees from 85 at the 1st event to 115 at the 3rd symposium. Though the agenda has not been finalized yet a number of high ranked industry executives have already accepted AluMag`s invitation to speak at the upcoming Shanghai Symposium. Among the booked speakers are Mr. Stefan HEIL, Executive Director Vehicle Manufacturing Engineering at SAIC/GM; Dr. Mark WHITE, Chief Engineer Advanced Body JLR Product Development at Jaguar Land Rover Engineering Centre Whitley and Mr. Ping BAO, Chief Engineer & Director of Auto...
Accuride Corporation, a leading supplier of components to the global commercial vehicle industry - announced it has added two new lightweight aluminium wheels to its product offering today at Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week 2016 in Las Vegas. The wheels are part of Accuride’s effort to provide customers the lightest high-performance steel and aluminium wheels possible. Re-engineered to reduce weight by 5-7 percent, the new aluminium wheels are both standard type 22.5 x 9.00 wheels produced at the company’s aluminium wheel production facility in Erie, Pa. The new wheels will be available effective April 1, 2016. Accuride continues to redesign and light-weight its popular aluminium wheel product portfolio to reduce weight and improve fuel savings for its fleet and aftermarket customers without...
Aluminium façade systems from the Technal brand have been specified for a third project at Chelsea Football Club’s training academy campus in the UK - a seamless below-ground extension to an existing pavilion. Sited on green-belt land, the extension demanded a sensitive architectural approach to ensure minimum visual impact in the landscape. Designed by AFL Architects and using the same palette of materials as in the original building at Cobham, in Surrey, the basement extension - now complete - provides additional gym, medical treatment and rehabilitation areas immediately adjacent to the existing fitness and related activities. Excavation of a moat enabled the project to avoid any further outward construction or compromise the original design for the campus. In order to maintain natural...
Packaging and print consultancy SaucePM has developed a new concept within drinks packaging - an ergonomically shaped aluminium can. The innovative packaging format, called Recanize, has been launched today. The shaped can aims to emulate on-trade glassware while offering all the benefits of a traditional aluminium drinks can. Aimed at off-trade brand owners, its launch presents the off-trade with the opportunity to purchase a manufacturing licence for the “revolutionary packaging concept”, SaucePM said. The company has also produced a short video to introduce brands to the Recanize concept, which benefits from global patent protection. SaucePM managing director Neil Shackleton said: “Recanize completed its patent application and is now ready for mass production. To kickstart the launch,...
Schuler, the technological and global market leader in metal forming equipment such as presses, automation, dies, with deep process know-how is adapting the technology of hot forming to the special demands of high-strength aluminium alloys used in automobile manufacturing. The lightweight construction material, aluminium, is becoming increasingly important for the automotive industry, due to its high strength and low weight. High-strength aluminium alloys offer the greatest potential for weight reduction in body construction. With the newly developed technology of hot forming of aluminium sheet, now it is possible to produce complex geometries. High-strength aluminium alloys make special demands on shaping processes with regard to formability. In a cold state it is only possible to form...
Jaguar Land Rover MENA and its exclusive retailer partner in the State of Qatar, Alfardan Premier Motors Co., have confirmed their participation in the sixth edition of the Qatar Motor Show. Running from January 28th to February 1st 2016, the Qatar Motor Show will take place at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC). Celebrating British innovation at its best, Alfardan Premier Motors will be displaying the All-New Jaguar XF on stand giving motoring fans a glimpse at the dynamic, coupé-like, aluminium-intensive, lightweight saloon vehicle. Underpinned by class-leading driving dynamics and refinement, the All-New Jaguar XF brings an unrivalled blend of design, luxury, technology and efficiency to the business car segment. The car’s dynamic design is formed around Jaguar’s...
