Japan imported 1.36 million tonnes of downstream aluminium products in January–August 2026, down 6.2 per cent from 1.45 million tonnes in the same period of 2025. The latest figures show lower overall imports, with shipments from the UAE seeing the biggest decline among the five leading exporters listed, while imports from Australia also fell. Japan’s total imports decline Japan’s downstream aluminium imports stood at 1.36 million tonnes through August 2026, a drop of around 90,000 tonnes, compared to shipments in 2025 during the same period. However, annual imports remained broadly stable over the previous three years, rising from 2.11 million tonnes in 2023 to 2.12 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 0.3 per cent. In 2025, imports edged up by a further 0.1 per cent to 2.12 million...
Alumil India, the fully-owned Indian subsidiary of Alumil Group, has successfully delivered advanced fenestration solutions for NICMAR University in Pune, transforming a precast campus vision into a functional, durable and future facing learning environment. The project required approximately three hundred windows within a tight timeline which was successfully delivered by Alumil India. The project deployed Alumil’s top-hung window systems combined with sleek mullions and glazing. “NICMAR University presented an opportunity to demonstrate how fenestration can become an integral part of both a building’s architecture and its performance. The project required us to respond to large openings, intensive daily usage, acoustic and weather considerations, safety, and the specific challenges of...
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Therish Rodrigo, CEO of VZO Group, was honoured as the Best Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year at the Asia Miracle Awards 2024. VZO Group Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Hollyca System, an esteemed aluminium engineering company founded in 1993 by Lester Rodrigo, has built a solid reputation for pioneering advancements in aluminium engineering and fabrications. Rodrigo pursued her education in Business Management and Human Resources Management before studying Civil Engineering in Singapore. Under her leadership, VZO Group Pvt. Ltd. has seen significant growth and now owns Sri Lanka's largest ALUMEX fabricating showroom in Nawala. About the company Since its inception, VZO Group Pvt. Ltd. has been committed to offering a diverse range of high-quality aluminium products tailored to meet...
Equispheres, Inc., a leading metal powder producer in Canada, has joined the Materials Consortium established by Dyndrite, Constellium, Elementum3D, and Sandvik. Like the other members of the Consortium, Equispheres brings its unparalleled expertise to the table, committed to developing, testing, and publicly releasing parameter sets for its materials. This includes the NExP-1 line of aluminium powders designed for Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing machines. Image Courtesy - AM magazine "We are thrilled to join the Materials Consortium alongside our industry peers. We believe that a rising tide lifts all boats and are dedicated to collaborating to provide the metal AM community with practical data that will advance the overall expertise in the processes and...
LB Aluminium Bhd reported a significant increase in its net profit for the fourth quarter ended April 30, 2024 (4QFY2024). The company's net profit rose by 62.67 per cent, reaching RM9.43 million, compared to RM5.8 million in the same period last year. Higher contributions from both the aluminium and property segments drove the impressive performance. Revenue for the quarter saw a robust 48 per cent growth, climbing to RM273.57 million from RM184.83 million in 4QFY2023. This strong financial result underscores LB Aluminium Bhd's strategic execution and market resilience. It also sets a positive outlook for the ongoing fiscal year, instilling hope and confidence in the company's future. Malaysia-headquartered LB Aluminium, grown to be one of the largest aluminium extrusion manufacturers in...
The much-awaited Huatong Aluminium Industrial Park project, initiated by the Angolan authorities, finally started on Saturday, June 22nd. The Angolan authorities gathered in Barra do Dande to kick off the construction of a $1.6 billion aluminium industrial park. The Huatong Aluminium Industrial Park project This event marks a significant milestone and is expected to boost the Angola-China economic cooperation. The project is anticipated to create approximately 12,000 jobs and generate US$3 billion in revenue. The project is planned to be completed in five phases over 8 to 10 years. According to a statement from the provincial government of Bengo, once the industrial chain is fully established, the park will produce a range of aluminium products, including ingots, alloy ingots, tram poles,...
In the Mexican nonferrous metals sector, ARZYZ Metals, a leader in producing aluminium alloys and commercialising primary metals, has launched a new initiative to enhance its services for Mexico's domestic flat-rolled products market by vertically integrating and optimising. This initiative, the first phase of a three-stage plan, has the potential to significantly impact the industry. ARZYZ will produce 80,000 tonnes annually in this initial phase, supplying materials for automotive inner body parts , appliances, HVAC systems, cabinets, and building and construction applications. An official spokesperson said, “We expect to produce the first coil by mid-2026. We aim to lead the Mexican aluminium market through vertical integration into FRP and expand our services to the automotive and...
The Chinalco Institute of Materials signed a product development contract with a Beijing Aerospace research institute. This partnership focuses on creating an aluminium alloy component for a new energy-special vehicle. The project marks the first collaboration between Chinalco Institute of Materials and an aerospace organisation in the field of lightweight components. About the project Reports indicate that the new energy special vehicle component, a result of the collaboration, harnesses the cutting-edge technology of high-strength and corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy materials from the Chinalco Institute of Materials. The structural design has been optimised, significantly enhancing the product's rigidity and strength, thereby ensuring safety and reliability even under the most...
On June 24, 2024, India-based Craftsman Automation Limited announced signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunbeam Lightweighting Solutions Private Limited and Kedaara Capital Fund II LLP. This MoU revealed in a recent stock exchange filing, outlines Craftsman Automation's plan to acquire all or part of Sunbeam's business, excluding certain assets in Gurugram, a city in Northern India. Craftsman Automation manufactures aluminium casting products & powertrain components in the automotive & industrial engineering sectors, from raw casting to ready-for-assembly. The potential acquisition, set to unfold in multiple stages, is a strategic expansion for Craftsman Automation. By incorporating Sunbeam Lightweighting Solutions, Craftsman aims to strengthen its technological capabilities...
Hindalco, a flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, hosted a workshop titled "Manufacturing Opportunities for MSMEs in the Downstream Aluminium Industry" on Tuesday at the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry Ltd. (UCCIL) conference hall. Organised in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and UCCIL, the workshop highlighted Odisha's emerging status as a global hub for aluminium manufacturing. "MSMEs require the security of raw materials, technological support, operational efficiency, financial backing, and effective marketing to complete the value chain. The large aluminium downstream industries can provide these critical elements, enabling MSMEs to thrive," stated Hindalco advisor Bibhu Mishra About the workshop In his inaugural address, Shashi Sekhar...
Nestor Nestor Diculescu Kingston Petersen (NNDKP) played a pivotal role in the recent acquisition of Alu Menziken Group by Inner Mongolia Mengtai Group Co., Ltd. The Chinese conglomerate purchased Alu Menziken Group from Montana Aerospace AG. NNDKP provided expert legal counsel within the Romanian jurisdiction, ensuring compliance and smooth transaction processes. The acquisition was a collaborative effort coordinated by the German law firm HEUKING, which served as the lead counsel. HEUKING effectively managed local counsel across Switzerland, Austria, and Romania to facilitate this cross-border transaction. Alu Menziken is a well-established manufacturer of lightweight aluminium components, offering solutions for e-battery systems, structural elements, high-quality aluminium profiles ,...
Established in 2011, Zhengzhou Silverstone has earned the title of reputable trading company specializing in semi-finished aluminium products. With years of experience, they have developed significant expertise in sourcing from leading rolling mills in China and partnering with local metal centres. This strategic approach allows them to provide their valued international customers with competitive pricing, consistent quality, and outstanding after-sales service. AL Biz has successfully onboarded the company to its list of 2100+ sellers. Zhengzhou Silverstone’s diverse range of products serves multiple industries, including decoration, packaging, transportation, construction, and electronic devices. Over eight years of dedicated effort, they have earned the trust and praise of customers...
Secretary of State Diego Morales recently visited the Novelis aluminium production and recycling plant in Terre Haute, Indiana. Novelis, a global leader in the field, specialises in providing rolled, recycled aluminium to a wide array of international clientele. The facility is renowned for its production of aluminium foil sheets and rolls, which serve diverse applications in commercial and residential kitchens. During his visit, Secretary Morales engaged with Novelis executives and staff members, gaining valuable insights into the intricate processes of aluminium recycling and rolling . The discussions centred around Novelis' pivotal role as the world's largest recycler of aluminium , highlighting its steadfast commitment to sustainability practices. The Business Services Division is one...
Lorin Industries Inc., a renowned global manufacturer specialising in coil anodised aluminium, celebrated the grand opening of its latest batch anodising line with a ceremony. The event, held at Lorin's expansive 400,000 sq. ft. facility in Muskegon, MI, featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Lorin's President, Park Kersman. Lorin Industries provides coil anodised aluminium, manufactured exclusively in the USA and used in various industries, including architecture and construction. After a construction period spanning over a year, the new batch production line is now fully operational. This development marks a significant enhancement in Lorin's capabilities, aimed at catering to diverse industries such as architecture, automotive, aerospace, military, toys, medical devices, and consumer...
In the upcoming free trade deal negotiations with the European Union, India is set to request a three-year exemption for its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from a proposed mandatory tariff on carbon-intensive imports. Two sources familiar with the matter disclosed this stance, underscoring India's ongoing resistance to the carbon tariff, which it also opposed at the World Trade Organisation's ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, as reported by Mint. The eighth round of free trade agreement (FTA) discussions is scheduled to take place in Brussels from June 24 to 28, 2024. During these talks, India plans to reiterate its concerns and seek relief for its MSMEs, which it argues would be disproportionately affected by the imposition of the carbon tariff. The...
Indian auto components manufacturer Rockman Industries has grown into a globally acclaimed supplier of high-quality automotive components. Established in 1960 and headquartered in Delhi, the company has been successfully enlisted by AL Biz to its list of 2100+ sellers. Over the years, Rockman Industries has become an industry leader in aluminium die casting, machining, and painted assemblies, serving the needs of esteemed motorcycle manufacturers and automobile OEMs worldwide. Today, Rockman Industries is a trusted name in the production of alloy wheels for two-wheelers and four-wheelers, setting benchmarks for performance and reliability. Rockman Industries specializes in manufacturing a diverse array of mechanical components: Cylinder heads Cylinder blocks Crankcases Crankcase covers...
Swisstek Aluminium Limited, one of the leading commercial and industrial aluminium extrusion profile manufacturers in Sri Lanka, has received due honour for its outstanding managerial and leadership excellence at the “Companies with Great Managers 2023”. A report stated that five employees of Swisstek Aluminium received the honours at a recent event celebrating exemplary leadership across multiple industries. This latest recognition, followed by an award last month for brilliant management practices , exhibits nothing less than its zeal and commitment towards developing a great team of managers capable of driving the business with utmost care and dedication. Out of five coveted honours, two were received under the category Driving Results & Execution Excellence. The recipients were Head...
On June 4th, Chinalco Shanxi New Materials hosted a symposium to explore the primary enterprises within the aluminium-magnesium industrial chain. The symposium's main focus was on the primary initiatives undertaken by Chinalco Shanxi New Materials in chain stabilisation, chain introduction, and chain strengthening. About the event Member from the Management Committee of Yuncheng Economic and Technological Development Zone emphasised that as the "chain owner" of the aluminium and magnesium deep processing industrial chain in Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, the company will continue to embrace this role. Many important officials, such as a professor from the North University of China, the Deputy General Manager of Chinalco Shanxi New Materials, and others, attended the event. Leveraging its...
Capral, Australia’s largest extruder and distributor of industry-leading aluminium products, has reportedly announced the purchase of Apple Aluminium, a Brisbane-based aluminium extrusion, sheet, and plate supplier. Capral said in a statement that although the acquisition is relatively small, it perfectly aligns with the strategy to grow via targeted acquisitions and strategic investments. In FY2022-23, Apple Aluminium’s turnover was about $12 million, while Capral’s revenue was $657 million. Through this acquisition, Capral essentially aims to leverage Apple’s established market position, skilled workforce, and strong customer relations to better its offerings. The acquisition is scheduled for completion in late July, subject to completion conditions. Tony Dragicevich, managing director...
Through the continuous dedication of all personnel at Tianjin Zhongwang’s second hot rolling plant, the project "Reducing Power Consumption in the Rolling Workshop" has yielded remarkable outcomes. By April, electricity consumption had decreased by 15.3 per cent compared to the previous year, resulting in savings approaching nearly RMB 4 million from this single initiative. About the second hot rolling plant The second hot rolling plant, in its commitment to the company's lean management principles, has taken a unique approach. It has tailored initiatives to its specific production and operational realities, with a focus on reducing consumption, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing yield. At the heart of these strategies are various lean improvement projects that have been meticulously...
