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Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
Downstream16 SEPT 2026

Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra

Across Europe, aluminium extrusion has become closely woven into some of the region’s biggest industrial and construction markets. From automotive and transport to buildings and industrial applications, extruded profiles are finding demand across a wide range of sectors. This is reflected in Europe’s position in the global market: the region accounted for 12 per cent of global aluminium extrusion capacity, making it the second-largest regional contributor after China. At the same time, Europe represented 10 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage, out of total global usage of 35.35 million tonnes . With production capacity and usage shares relatively close, Europe’s extrusion capacity and consumption are broadly at par. If we break down Europe’s 10 per cent share of global aluminium...

Taber Extrusions launches North America’s largest aluminum press in $70m expansion
Downstream16 SEPT 2026

Taber Extrusions launches North America’s largest aluminum press in $70m expansion

Taber Extrusions has launched a $70 million expansion in Russellville featuring North America’s largest aluminum extrusion press, with production scheduled to begin Wednesday and 70 new jobs expected at the facility. The company marked the grand opening of the expanded facility Tuesday, unveiling the new 10,000-metric-tonne aluminium press. Taber Extrusions has operated in the Russellville community for more than 50 years, making the latest investment a significant addition to its long-standing local presence. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders attended the ceremony and said the project would strengthen manufacturing employment in the River Valley while supporting the US industrial base. "This will be another major employer for Russellville and the entire River Valley. It will further...

Aluminium Extruders Council launches “Look No Further” program
Downstream16 SEPT 2026

Aluminium Extruders Council launches “Look No Further” program

The Aluminium Extruders Council (AEC) today announced the launch of “Look No Further™,” a campaign promoting the capabilities, responsiveness, and innovation of US and Canadian aluminium extruder members of AEC. Developed for manufacturers, engineers, architects, designers, and procurement leaders, the campaign underscores the value of working with AEC extruder members to meet growing demand for aluminium extrusion solutions across transportation, building and construction, consumer products, electrical, machinery and equipment, and other critical markets. “Customers need domestic extrusion partners that can deliver more than shaped aluminium,” said Jason Weber, President of the Aluminium Extruders Council. “The Look No Further™ campaign will reinforce that AEC extruder members offer the...

Uno Minda plans INR 14.15bn capex as aluminium casting capacity jumps 162%
Downstream15 SEPT 2026

Uno Minda plans INR 14.15bn capex as aluminium casting capacity jumps 162%

Uno Minda is set to invest around INR 14.15 billion (USD 147.51 million) across four manufacturing expansion and consolidation projects, with a major portion of the spending directed towards increasing its aluminium casting capacity in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. The automotive components maker plans to lift aluminium casting capacity at Hosur from around 13,000 tonnes to 34,000 tonnes at peak, representing an increase of about 162 per cent. The expansion will add 21,000 tonnes of capacity and serve demand across two-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. The broader investment programme will be implemented over the next two to three years and spans aluminium casting, alloy wheels, moulding, and interior, exterior and sealing components. Uno Minda Managing Director Ravi Mehra said...

KPS to sell aluminium extrusion company Metra to Grupa Kęty in $745m deal
Downstream15 SEPT 2026

KPS to sell aluminium extrusion company Metra to Grupa Kęty in $745m deal

Five years after taking control of Metra, KPS Capital Partners is preparing to hand over the aluminium extrusion company to Poland’s Grupa Kęty in a deal valued at EUR 645 million (USD745 million). The transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027 pending customary approvals, will bring Metra under the ownership of a Warsaw-listed industrial group with an established presence in aluminium extrusion, architectural and sun protection systems, and flexible packaging. For Metra, the deal comes after a period of expansion under KPS. The private equity firm acquired the company in July 2021 and used the following five years to reshape the business through acquisitions, capacity investments and expansion into new markets. During KPS ownership, Metra completed five add-on...

Kibar Americas restarts former Novelis aluminium plant in Fairmont, targets hundreds of jobs
Downstream15 SEPT 2026

Kibar Americas restarts former Novelis aluminium plant in Fairmont, targets hundreds of jobs

Kibar Americas has begun production at the former Novelis aluminium plant in Fairmont, marking the facility’s return to operation more than a year after its sudden closure resulted in the loss of more than 180 jobs. The reopening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local leaders and former plant workers, highlighting the facility’s return as a manufacturing site and Kibar Americas’ plans to build up its workforce. For Fairmont Deputy Mayor Josh Rice, the reopening carried a personal significance. Rice spent 13 years working at the former Novelis plant before its closure, which left him and nearly 200 other employees without work. “It was like a brotherhood, the guys that I had here,” Rice said. “So, when you come here for things like that, I’ve had several tragic things...

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