Mexico’s expanding electric vehicle (EV) market is creating new opportunities across battery production, materials, charging infrastructure and electronics, as Chinese companies look to move beyond vehicle exports towards broader overseas supply-chain partnerships. Hong Kong could play a strategic role in connecting Mexican businesses with mainland China’s manufacturing capabilities, investment and research resources. According to the source commentary, Mexico’s EV market has evolved considerably over the past 16 years, with more brands offering vehicles across different price ranges and driving ranges, alongside the expansion of residential, corporate and industrial charging infrastructure. However, demand for EV purchases is growing faster than the capacity to maintain them,...
France-headquartered Drone Volt has unveiled its Hercules 100 heavy-lift cargo drone, combining an aluminium-and-carbon chassis with a payload capacity of up to 100 kilogrammes (kg). Introduced in flight at the UAV Show in Bordeaux on October 9, 2026, the foldable octocopter is designed for industrial logistics, civil protection, firefighting and defence. Designed and assembled in France, the aircraft marks the company’s move from the 25 kilogrammes class to a 100 kilogrammes payload platform. Aluminium and carbon highlight the design The Hercules 100 has a maximum take-off weight of 197 kg. It weighs 52 kg without batteries and 97 kg with its battery pack, leaving capacity for a full 100 kg payload. Its chassis combines aluminium and carbon fibre, with a wheelbase of 3,300 mm. When...
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China Aluminum Cans Holdings Limited, an investment holding company that manufactures and sells aluminium aerosoal cans in Mainland China, Africa, and America, has reportedly announced the departure of Ms Guo Yang as an independent non-executive director, with effect from January 1, 2025. Ms Guo Yang will be succeeded by Ms Luo Mei Kai, an experienced financial management consultant. Ms Kai will also serve as chairman of the remuneration committee and a member of the audit and nominational committees. Ms Luo will bring with her more than 20 years of strong experience in financial consulting. She will draw an annual salary of HK$144,000 from China Aluminium Cans Holdings Limited.
The Oppo Reno 13 series 5G is set to launch in India in January 2025, following the success of its predecessor, the Reno 12 series. The upcoming flagship lineup will consist of the Reno 13 5G and the Reno 13 Pro 5G. Designed for durability, the Reno 13 series is said to incorporate a premium aluminium frame, a sculpted rear panel, and Corning Gorilla Glass 7i for added protection. Image Source: Oppo Use of aluminium Oppo’s teasers also emphasise using aerospace-grade aluminium in the device construction. The teaser images also reveal that the Oppo Reno 13 series 5G will sport a flat display and a triple-camera setup. In contrast to its predecessor, the Reno 12, the camera module on the Reno 13 series has undergone a slight redesign. With its sleek design, improved performance, and premium...
At the recent annual conference of the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA), a renewable energy analyst from a publicly traded securities company renowned for its excellent asset quality and innovative capabilities highlighted significant cost shifts in the solar industry. The event, held earlier this month, underscored the sector's evolving dynamics. According to the analyst, secondary materials have significantly reshaped the cost structure of the solar panel industry this year, becoming the primary driver of production expenses. SinoLink Securities reported that by November 2024, aluminium frames had become the most expensive component in solar panel manufacturing, accounting for 14 per cent of total production costs. Packaging glass closely followed, at 13.4 per cent, while...
In the sweet little town of Hershey, Pennsylvania, preparations for New Year’s Eve are well underway – and they’re going big. Or should we say, big and shiny? Workers have been spotted hoisting a whopping 300-pound aluminium and fibreglass Hershey’s Kiss into position on the corner of Park and Chocolate Avenues. Following previous tradition, this confectionary colossus will take centre stage during the grand countdown as it’s raised skyward at the stroke of midnight, marking the highlight of Hershey’s beloved New Year’s bash at ChocolateTown Square. Image Source: https://www.hersheynewyearseve.org/media “We are proud to welcome guests back to Hershey for our New Year’s Eve celebration as it commemorates a milestone of 20 years since the event began in 2004,” said Mike Pries, Committee...
Single-use deodorants? Oh, darling, they’re so last century. Recently we have come across Wild, a London-based natural body care brand that’s redefining freshness with a blend of sustainability, style, and a dash of aluminium magic. Image Source: https://wearewild.com/ The deodorant isn’t just about smelling divine; it’s about doing good for the planet while looking effortlessly fabulous. At the heart of their mission is their ingenious use of aluminium — durable, endlessly recyclable, and undeniably chic. Say goodbye to disposable plastic containers and hello to Wild’s sleek aluminium cases, designed to house your deodorant refills in sustainable splendour. Wild takes an eco-friendly approach to the next level, offering refillable deodorants, body washes, lip balms, and more in reusable...
Pátio Paulista Mall in São Paulo and Nespresso have partnered for Christmas 2024 to create a one-of-a-kind, sustainable celebration. Over 50,000 aluminium capsules from Nespresso have been transformed into festive decorations, including sculptures of bears, garlands, and Christmas trees, bringing an innovative and eco-friendly touch to the shopping centre. Image Source: Enfeitedecora This initiative was made possible through the efforts of numerous Nespresso consumers who, throughout the year, deposited their used capsules at the brand's collection points across Brazil, including four at Shopping Pátio Paulista. The project highlights Nespresso's dedication to the circular economy, with approximately 85 per cent of the aluminium used in its capsules coming from recycled sources....
Carlsberg's £3.3 billion acquisition of Britvic, a leading soft drinks manufacturer, has received approval from the UK's competition regulator, marking one of the year's most significant takeovers. Announced in July, the deal aims to merge Carlsberg's extensive beer portfolio with Britvic's soft drinks range. Image Source- FREEPIK The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an initial review of the merger in September and, on Tuesday, December 24, confirmed it would not proceed to a more in-depth investigation. Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group has become a leading global brewing conglomerate. The company has cemented its reputation as an industry trailblazer with a diverse beverage portfolio and a strong commitment to achieving a zero-carbon...
Ceylon Beverage Can, a state-of-the-art beverage packaging manufacturing unit in South Asia, has recently joined forces with Rockwell Automation, Inc., the global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. This collaboration marks a milestone as Rockwell introduces its cloud-based Plex Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to Ceylon Can, enabling a seamless transition to digital manufacturing. Image Source- Rockwell Automation Notably, this initiative represents Rockwell’s first Plex MES deployment in Sri Lanka and its debut in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector within the Indian subcontinent. As Ceylon Can gears up to expand its operations with new facilities in India, this pilot project will serve as a vital stepping stone in advancing the company’s digital...
Move over, elves – there’s a new team in Santa’s workshop, and they’re all about rigour and efficiency. This Christmas, Open Mind Technologies, Hermle, and Fraisa banded together to ensure Father Christmas’ sleigh wasn’t just running on holiday cheer but cutting-edge manufacturing magic. Image Source: https://www.advancedmanufacturing.org/ It all started with a festive dilemma. Santa’s production line was under pressure, and the elves were struggling to keep up. Thus enters the damsel in distress, Hermle’s high-performance CNC machines, ready to revolutionise toy production with unrivalled precision. These machines, guided by Open Mind Technologies’ hyperMILL CAM software, ensured every nut, bolt, and toy part was crafted to perfection – even the tiniest spinning tops had pinpoint...
The leaders of Europe’s key auto manufacturing nations—Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic—have urged Brussels to reconsider imposing financial penalties on automakers failing to meet EU emissions targets starting in 2025. Speaking after an EU leaders’ summit, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz argued that imposing fines would exacerbate the industry's challenges. He emphasised that penalties should not hinder companies' capacity to invest in electric vehicle development, which is crucial for the sector’s transition and future. Facing pressure from a snap election scheduled for February next year, Scholz remarked that while automakers introduce new EV models, consumers cannot be compelled to purchase them. The German Chancellor stated, “I think it’s right not to impose fines and to look...
Ahead of Christmas and the New Year 2025, the Lviv Brewery, part of the Carlsberg Group in Ukraine, has reportedly launched a special edition of its Lvivske Rizdvyane seasonal beer in aluminium cans to summon the season of cake, carols, and all things fun. ‘Rizdvyane’ means Christmas in the Ukrainian language, which is why this special edition beer is infused with a dash of Christmas spices and a hint of caramel aroma to evoke the warmth of the festive season in every sip and toast. Since CANPACK is behind the craft of the cans, they are produced using the DUOMIX print technology. Finished with matt varnish, Lvivske Rizdvyane seasonal beer cans come in a sleek look, lending a graceful look to your Christmas or New Year party. If you are a football enthusiast or hosting a party for fellow...
On December 17, Stellantis unveiled a comprehensive plan to rejuvenate its production operations in Italy, as reported by Reuters. The announcement was made during a meeting with Industry Minister Adolfo Urso, alongside representatives from suppliers and trade unions. This initiative marks a significant step toward mending ties with Italy's government, which had frequently clashed with former CEO Carlos Tavares. Stellantis N.V. is a multinational automotive manufacturer formed in 2021 from the merger of the Italian–American conglomerate Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group. As of 2023, Stellantis was the world's fourth-largest automaker by sales, behind Toyota, Volkswagen Group, and Hyundai Motor Group. Stellantis designs, manufactures, and sells automobiles under its...
Antec, a renowned manufacturer of computer chassis, has announced the launch of its latest aluminium ITX gaming case, the Performance 1 M. This sleek and compact case is designed specifically for high-performance ITX builds, boasting a durable and modern aluminium construction. The gaming case features aluminium side panels and a rear frame, providing a robust and stylish metallic finish that is available in two colours- jet black and adventurine green. With its compact dimensions, this case is well-suited for ITX motherboards, striking the ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality. One of the standout features of the aluminium case is its innovative airflow design, which optimises system cooling through strategically placed perforated panels. These panels facilitate effective...
Romet's integrated facility for aluminium frame production, painting, and assembly gives it a unique edge in Europe's bicycle manufacturing sector. Five years after launch, the factory operates at full capacity, offering logistical advantages over competitors importing frames from Asia. Despite this, Romet still paints large quantities of Asian-sourced frames due to limited in-house capacity. Image Source: https://romet.uk/ "Our goal is to focus on e-bike frame production and accelerate innovations," says Wiesław Grzyb, the brand's President. Proximity between frame production and assembly lines remains a key competitive advantage. The company sources high-quality aluminium 6061 from two Polish suppliers. Processes like laser cutting, hydroforming, and robotic welding are completed...
Ball Corporation, a company that has made noteworthy strides toward its 2030 sustainability goals with progress in recycling, climate action, and diversity while tackling challenges in resource efficiency and supply chain accountability, has had a positive year (2024) both in terms of financial and operational success. Image Source: https://www.ball.com/ Ball Corporation, a global leader in aluminium packaging, has a strong focus on circular economy, renewable energy, and social impact. The company has outlined measurable progress while maintaining ambitious targets for 2030. Financial results in 2024 (so far) The company reports a strong performance in 2024 with continued growth in the aluminium packaging sector. Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) has reported solid financial results for the...
Owing to the continual growth in Thailand's premium beer segment, the country's second-largest brewer, Chang, has strengthened its market position as it launches its unpasteurised beer in an innovative screw-top aluminium bottle. Image Source: https://x.com/jitTang5/ (Credit: สาธุ ทานตะวันของคุณชา) This launch, the result of a strategic collaboration with Thai Beverage Can Co. Ltd., marks the debut of Thailand's first-ever screw-top aluminium bottle in the beverage industry. The innovative packaging offers advantages like reusability, contents' temperature stability as compared to conventional cans, and a 100 per cent recyclablility. Speaking at a recent press conference, Songwit Sritham, ThaiBev's first vice president and chief of its beer business, emphasised that this grab-and-go...
Honda is celebrating 25 years of hybrid-electric vehicle sales in North America, a milestone that began with the introduction of the revolutionary ‘Honda Insight’. Image Source: www.hondanews.eu As the first Honda hybrid-electric vehicle sold in Canada, the Insight established a foundation for the company’s electrification strategy, which now sees hybrid-electric vehicles accounting for over 30 per cent of Honda brand sales in Canada. Core models such as the Civic, Accord, and CR-V are powered by the award-winning two-motor hybrid-electric system, continuing Honda’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. First - generation Honda Insight and aluminium excellence Launched in December 1999, the first-generation Honda Insight was a groundbreaking vehicle designed specifically as a...
On Thursday, December 12, Constellium SE, a Paris-based rolled and extruded aluminium products company, announced the successful completion of the "ISA3" R&D project, which brings a lightweight solution to automotive design. Image Source: LinkedIn The project started in 2021 with a grant from the France Relance investment program and in partnership with Renault Group, ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure (Welding Institute), and the University of Lorraine. Upon completion, Constellium has set a benchmark in designing automotive aluminium components that are lightweight, cost-efficient, and recyclable. The significant development in this project is a lightweight aluminium door, using Constellium's uni-alloy 6xxx rolled and extrusion-based solutions. Owing to the design and use of lightweight...
