Ducati has unveiled the Desmo450 SM, a new production supermoto developed from its Desmo450 MX platform, featuring an aluminium twin-spar frame. This is designed to combine low weight, rigidity and strength. The motorcycle made its debut during World Ducati Week and is aimed at competition use. The Desmo450 SM uses the same aluminium frame architecture as the motocross model. Ducati says the frame has also been designed to allow a straighter intake route while maintaining the strength and rigidity needed for high-performance riding. The bike has a fuel capacity of 7.2 litres. The company has also focused on reducing weight in other areas. Its Bartubeless wheel system, for example, removes inner tubes and cuts rotating and unsprung mass by 1.2kg. The motorcycle also features a cast...
China’s aluminum door and window manufacturing sector includes a range of suppliers offering thermal-break systems, customized solutions, OEM/ODM production, and products for international building projects. A recent industry guide highlights Guangdong Dejiyoupin, Guangdong EEHE, Foshan CIVO, Sichuan Yazhixuan, and Sichuan Mingrenju, citing their production capabilities, product portfolios, project experience, customization services, and testing or certification coverage. The companies differ in their areas of focus. Dejiyoupin is highlighted for its production capacity and international certifications, while EEHE is noted for patents and a broad range of project solutions. CIVO focuses on factory-direct customization and climate-oriented systems, while Yazhixuan provides OEM/ODM...
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Italian shipyard CRN is reportedly ready to launch its new custom megayacht M/Y 135 made of fully steel and aluminium. Since the 79-metre yacht was positioned on the slipway during the pre-launch, its sleek shape elegantly delineated by the smooth lines of the hull did awestruck the spectators. It was positioned with the help of motorised hydraulic lift trucks. The press release said handling the 1,400-tonnes yacht was a complex and spectacular operation, but the total dedication and specialist expertise of the CRN workers did make it possible. The design of the yacht is done by the CRN Technical Office in partnership with the Zuccon International Project design studio. The latter has looked after the exterior design, while Laura Sessa architecture studio has developed the interiors....
According to the global export-import data, Poland’s aluminium can import is estimated to plunge further in 2019 from 28,959 tonnes in 2018 to 26,385 tonnes, down 9 per cent year on year. The country’s estimated aluminium can import in 2017 was at 31,199 tonnes and in 2016 at 37,307 tonnes. This indicates that Poland has been seeing a year on year drop in aluminium can import since 2016. The drop in import volume in 2017 was by 16 per cent and that in 2018 by 7 per cent. Consequently, the aluminium can import cost to Poland also has been declining year on year. In 2016, Poland had imported aluminium can at the value of US$155 million, which in 2017 had decreased to USD 136 million, down 12 per cent. In 2018, the cost fell further down along with the volume and had pegged at US$129...
Soon after the US Commerce Department filed a report on Monday, February 18, empowering President Donald Trump to impose imported car tariffs within the next 90 days, the European Union responded and vowed to retaliate, reported a European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas. He specifically told a news briefing in Brussels "Were this report translated into action detrimental to European exports, the European Commission would react in a swift and adequate manner." German Chancellor Angela Merkel labelled as “frightening” the prospect that this report could label European car imports as a national security threat to the US, enabling the tariffs. The Trump administration had threatened to impose 25 per cent duties on European cars, especially targeting Germany, because he feels that the...
The global metal pipe market is estimated to reach US$97.7 billion by 2023 with a CAGR of 3.9 per cent from 2018 to 2023, according to a new market report published by Lucintel. The demand for aluminium tubes and pipes is expected to witness the growth over the coming years due to increasing demand from the construction, building and transportation sector. {newsStudioGallery} Belgium’s main exports partners are its neighbouring countries France, Germany and the Netherlands. The country’s aluminium tubes and pipes exports to France and Germany reduced by 7 per cent and 23 per cent from 2017 to 3447 and 3343 tonnes in 2018, respectively (estimated). Exports to the Netherlands and Poland stood at 2807 tonnes and 1434 tonnes last year. International trade data shows that Belgium’s estimated...
The Dutch start-up Vaan presents the world’s most sustainable luxury sailing yacht made almost entirely of circular materials, including recycled aluminium. The Vaan R4 is a catamaran built with 75 percent recycled aluminium from Hydro. “One of the biggest industry challenges today is that many of the products designed and produced are too difficult or expensive to take apart and recycle when they are no longer in use. We are proud to work with a visionary company like Vaan to address these challenges, and to contribute to the first recyclable yacht, which is built with our 75 percent recycled aluminium,” said Marijn Rietveld, Director Offshore and Marine in Hydro. The Vaan R4 is made from circular materials that can be recycled when it is no longer in use. A key material in the yacht is...
ARD Aluminium (Pvt) Ltd will construct a US$ 1.7 million manufacturing facility at Mirigama Economic Processing Zone (EPZ) in Sri Lanka. The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka and ARD Aluminium (Pvt) Ltd signed an agreement to build a plant for the production of aluminium food containers with lids and aluminium foil wrap for food. ARD Aluminium can sell 20 per cent of its total production in the local market. Production at the facility is expected to begin in July 2019. Currently, these products are mostly imported from other countries, notably China. The investors, Akul Gupta, Dhiraj Agarwal and Rohit Agarwal, were present at the signing ceremony. Also present were Nishantha Gunawardana and Rohan Fernando, both Directors of the local manufacturing operator. The BOI was represented by...
With economic growth saturating in China, demand for light vehicles has dipped to a considerable extent across China cities. Despite the discounts and offers during Chinese New Year holiday, showroom traffics dropped in this period. A report from China Association of Automobile Manufacturers says China’s new light-vehicle deliveries dropped in January for the seventh consecutive month. The deliveries dropped 18 per cent to 2.02 million cars. Light trucks registered the steepest monthly decline since July 2018. The sales slump was registered across all major segments. Multipurpose vehicle demand dropped 27 per cent to around 129,600 while minibus deliveries tumbled 26 per cent to some 26,400 units. Sales of crossovers and SUVs fell 19 per cent to roughly 878,900. Sedan deliveries dropped...
On Sunday, February 17, the United States President reportedly received a report from the Commerce Department that said the US could trigger auto tariffs on imported cars and car parts and intensify tensions with Europe. Much detail about the report is not known yet, as Reuters confirmed that a department spokeswoman refused to disclose any details of the Section 232 national security report submitted to Trump by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. The disclosure of the submission came less than two hours before the end of a 270-day deadline. Trump has now 90 days to decide whether to act upon the recommendations. Auto industry officials expect at least some tariffs to be included on fully assembled vehicles or on technologies and components related to electric, automated, connected and...
The US-based aluminium shipbuilder Breaux Brothers Enterprises reportedly christened its latest vessel Half Moon Clipper on February 14, 2019, in Loreauville. The ship is 105-foot long and weighs 94 tonnes when empty and 154 tonnes when loaded with fuel, water, and becomes absolutely ready for work, said Breaux Brothers’ co-owner and Vice President Vance Vic Breaux. The ship is built for Holland America Lines with a total passenger capacity of 193 people. The vessel will serve as a crew boat for the company’s employees and guests visiting Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. Holland America Manager of Marine Services/Fleet Operations Larry Bischoff said “It will carry people, food and beverages to the island, and then unload them using the crane on the back deck. They will bring supplies for the...
Shanghai Metals Market updates that China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has released this year’s first batch of recommended new energy vehicle (NEVs) models. The news came after MIIT released in a statement on its website on Thursday, February 14. The first batch of NEVs includes 106 vehicle types from 49 auto companies, according to the released statement on MIIT website. In 2018, the number of models released in the first batch was 118, which means this year MIIT released lesser number of models, as fewer electric buses and special vehicles were included. Higher requirements for NEVs and technical constraints of special vehicles weighed on the launch of new models, said Cui Dongshu, secretary general of the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). All...
Smart Architectural Aluminium, the UK's leading supplier of architectural aluminium systems, will present a wide range of products and systems at this year’s Futurebuild exhibition. The company will showcase its Designer Door range, Smart Alitherm Heritage system, MC Wall and MC 600 ranges. Eddie Robinson, Managing Director said: “We are delighted to be returning to ExCeL for the 2019 Futurebuild exhibition, where once again we will take the opportunity to showcase a broad range of new products and systems. The Futurebuild will take place on 3 days from Tuesday, 05 March to Thursday, 07 March 2019 in London “This year, our Designer Door system will take centre stage on our stand, with a range of style and colour variants on display, alongside a number of our new door and window products....
The global metal can demand is projected to reach 431,573.9 million by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 2.9 per cent from 2014 to 2020. With a large number of aluminium can manufacturers stepping up their product differentiation and innovation pursuits the demand for the aluminium cans is expected to rise further in the medium to long term. But here while taking a look at Germany’s estimated aluminium can export in 2019 through our available third-party data, we find that the country will likely export a lesser volume. In contrast to the estimated 76,826 tonnes in the year last, Germany’s aluminium can export is projected to stand at 62,025 tonnes by the end of this year, down 19 per cent. In 2017, the export volume was forecast at 76,525 tonnes, marginally down from 2018, but up 23 per cent...
The Netherlands' estimated imports of aluminium household articles dropped 11.35 per cent year on year in 2018. China, Germany and Belgium continued to be the leading exporters, supplying 9667 tonnes, 2071 tonnes and 1300 tonnes respectively. {newsStudioGallery} Exported aluminium household articles from the Netherlands were at 6879 tonnes in 2018, registering a 20.22 per cent year on year growth. Our own third party data shows the Netherlands’ estimated aluminium household articles import was at 16422 tonnes in 2018, a decrease of 2103 tonnes, from 18525 tonnes in 2017. The value of aluminium household articles import was at USD 78 million and USD 85 million in 2018 and 2017 respectively. The country’s import of these products is estimated to be about 17491 tonnes by the end of this...
Boeing inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), Saudi Arabian Industrial Investments Company (DUSSUR), and Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden). The partnership will support the development of the aerospace industry of Saudi Arabia. "Boeing congratulates NIDLP, Ma’aden and Dussur for this exciting new partnership that will support the Kingdom’s goal to become a leader in aerospace grade aluminium manufacturing. We are keen to support the development of the Kingdom’s domestic aerospace-related industries which Vision 2030 has accelerated,” said President of Boeing Saudi Arabia Ahmed Jazzar. Ma’aden, the largest multi-commodity mining and metals company, will be positioned to enter the high grade aluminium market...
Bombardier awarded Aleris with Diamond Supplier Certification during the Bombardier Supplier Symposium on February 7th in Montreal, Canada. Aleris was recognized for its outstanding performance as a supplier of aluminium aerospace products from Aleris manufacturing facilities in Koblenz, Germany and Zhenjiang, China. Dr. Ingo Kröpfl, Vice President Global Aerospace at Aleris said: "This award is a recognition for the daily efforts of our whole team. We are constantly working to improve our products and service. It is this sense of customer focus and excellence that enables us to meet Bombardier's targets." The Bombardier Diamond Supplier program recognizes the outstanding performance of its suppliers across the organization. It aims to develop a long-term relationship with its suppliers,...
Following Delhi and Kerala, Andhra Pradesh now aims at deploying 10 lakh electric vehicles across all segments and 1 lakh charging station in the next five years. The news came after Chandrababu Naidu-led government rolled out its electric vehicle policy on Wednesday, February 7. Per the report, the new vehicle policy introduced by Naidu will not allow any new registration of petrol and diesel powered cars. However, the government is yet to provide a timeline. The state is also planning to replace 11,000 state-run buses into electric for achieving 100 per cent electrification in public fleet. Beside this, the state also wishes to convert all government corporations, boards, and ambulances to electric vehicles. Around 60,000 new jobs are expected to be created with the onset of this...
According to a Reuters report, the profit margins of Volvo Cars dropped in 2018, as a result of pricing pressure in the China market due to costs hike led by prolonged trade war between Washington and Beijing. The company CEO Hakan Samuelsson told Reuters that to indemnify the impact on margins which is expected to continue this year, Volvo has decided to increase production volumes and cut operational costs. Samuelsson said, “We have a very, very strong product offering and a modest market share outside Sweden, so we are expecting and planning for further growth.” “I would say we enter now into a phase where we have to focus more on the cost side as well - not with any special packages, but with normal work to improve our cost consciousness and cost control.” The Chinese premium car...
A Cardiff-based aluminium fabricator Dudley’s Aluminium has reportedly begun work on the transformation of Exeter’s former bus and coach station into student accommodation, securing the £500,000 contract with Sir Robert McAlpine Ltd. Exeter’s new student accommodation is expected to reopen as student accommodation in summer 2019. The company will install Kawneer curtain walling and doors, and provide solar shading to the modern student accommodation facility. Colin Shorney, managing director of Dudley's said: “We are thrilled to be working on this project with Sir Robert McAlpine,” while also adding “It aligns with our extensive commitment to working within the education sector and we’re proud to support the construction of student accommodation in Exeter." The new student accommodation...
