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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Desktop Metal, a prominent figure in Additive Manufacturing 2.0 technologies for mass production, announced its plan to showcase aluminium lighting components created through binder jet 3D printing. These components, designed by BEGA, a distinguished German-based company renowned for its premium architectural lighting solutions for outdoor and indoor applications, were manufactured using the X25Pro mid-sized production binder jet printing system with Al6061 powder. About the aluminium lighting component After delivering industry-first results for binder jetting aluminium on the InnoventX in 2021, Desktop Metal has significantly advanced production-scale binder jetting for aluminium. In collaboration with companies such as BEGA, Desktop Metal has established a repeatable process for...
On June 24, 2024, KPS Capital Partners, LP announced an agreement for its portfolio firm, Eviosys, to be acquired by Sonoco Products Company, a leading global entity in sustainable packaging headquartered in Hartsville, South Carolina. The acquisition is valued at €3.615 billion (approximately $3.9 billion), with Sonoco having the option to pay up to $200 million of the total in its stock, contingent on specific conditions. The transaction will conclude by the end of 2024, pending necessary works council consultations, regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions. Eviosys stands at the forefront of metal packaging worldwide, specialising in food cans, ends, aerosol cans, aluminium cans, metal closures, and promotional packaging. Serving numerous consumer brands, Eviosys boasts...
China-based Lanzhou Aluminum on June 12 announced the groundbreaking ceremony of its distributed photovoltaic (PV) project in the southern factory area, signifying a pivotal advancement for the company in the realm of new energy. During the ceremony, Mao Zhiqiang delivered a passionate speech highlighting the pivotal role of distributed photovoltaic projects in fostering sustainable enterprise development. About the project He emphasised that the construction of Lanzhou Aluminum Industry Co., Ltd.'s distributed photovoltaic power generation project has garnered significant attention from China Aluminum Corporation and substantial support from relevant stakeholders. June 21 marked the official commencement after diligent planning and adjustments in the construction approach. The event was...
According to a report, North America’s aluminium cans market is poised to grow at a compound growth rate of 3.3 per cent during 2023-32. Thus, from US$16.4 billion in 2023, North America’s aluminium cans market is expected to reach US$22 billion. Currently, the demand for aluminium cans in North America is primarily driven by the packaging sector for processed and ready-to-eat food products, aerated drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks. In addition, growing environmental concerns among consumers, turning them to aluminium cans from plastic, are also contributing to the demand growth. Further, the increasing consumption of energy and sports drinks influenced by alluring advertising campaigns by manufacturers is also an important factor behind the growing aluminium cans market in North...
The Bui reservoir in Ghana is now home to the continent's largest floating solar photovoltaic (PV) project. This remarkable achievement underscores Ghana's commitment to sustainable solutions and sets a precedent for the region facing escalating environmental challenges. The 5-megawatt floating solar PV system, now operational at the Bui generating station, represents a remarkable engineering achievement. Ghana has effectively utilised existing infrastructure without encroaching on land or disrupting natural habitats by harnessing the sun's energy on water. Ghana's power generation history has evolved significantly over time. Initially relying on diesel generators and independent electricity systems owned by industrial mines and factories, the country transitioned into the hydroelectric...
At the beginning of June 2024, Japanese transport ministry officials initiated an on-site investigation at Toyota Motor's headquarters after discovering irregularities in the company's certification applications for certain vehicle models. The fallout from the certification test scandal, which originated at Toyota's Daihatsu compact car unit, has broadened to impact other Japanese automakers. This follows the ministry's mandate for industry-wide reviews of certification practices. Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor have all admitted to submitting flawed or manipulated data in their vehicle certification applications, as reported by Reuters. According to a ministry official, Toyota, Japan's largest automaker, was the first to undergo a ministry inspection, with the other four...
The UK-based EV startup Watt Electric Vehicle Company (WEVC) has recently unveiled a new lightweight modular EV architecture titled PACES. WEVC presents PACES as a versatile bonded aluminium platform easily adapted to various sizes and shapes for low-volume passenger EVs. The platform accommodates FWD, RWD, and AWD powertrain configurations, employing an innovative assembly method called FlexTech. This technique interlocks and bonds flat, laser-cut pieces, avoiding the use of complex and costly corner castings typically found in large-volume aluminium skateboard platforms. About PACES This new lightweight modular EV architecture is designed to support a variety of low-to-medium-volume vehicle designs, including sports coupes, off-road buggies, and rideshare vehicles. Committed to...
In the ever-evolving landscape of defence, where speed, agility, and resilience define the edge between victory and defeat, aluminium emerges as a silent but formidable ally. Renowned for its lightweight yet robust nature, aluminium is revolutionising a wide array of defence applications—from the construction of agile aircraft and resilient naval vessels to the development of cutting-edge armoured vehicles and advanced weaponry. Its unique properties—lightweight, high strength, and resistance to harsh environments—make it an essential material, transforming military capabilities and redefining the landscape of defence technology. The first military use of aluminium dates back to 1892, when the French government employed it for their torpedo boats. The U.S. Army soon followed, albeit with...
Qindao city in China’s eastern Shandong province has unwrapped its “Action Plan” aimed at driving the high-quality development of the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) industry in the city. According to the plan, by 2025, the city aims to achieve several noteworthy milestones, including an annual production target of 400,000 NEVs, with about 180,000 vehicles scheduled for export and overseas automaker revenue surpassing RMB 36 billion. The plan also foresees the expansion of core supporting industries such as automotive electronics and power batteries to around RMB 40 billion, with special parts like tires and car bodies reaching approximately RMB 50 billion. Projections indicate a target penetration rate of about 45 per cent for new energy vehicle, with plans for over 40,000 public charging...
Aluminium has increasingly become pivotal across diverse industries due to its versatility, lightweight properties, and sustainability. From cans to bicycle frames, aluminium's adaptability and capacity to enhance product performance underscore its critical role across various end-use sectors. Other key attributes like corrosion resistance, high strength-to-weight ratio, and recyclability make it indispensable in modern manufacturing, promoting energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. This week, the end-user sector of the aluminium industry has witnessed a lot of significant events – Pedalling towards net zero with world’s first bicycle rim featuring Hydro CIRCAL 100R In 2023, a collaboration between Hydro, the Norwegian company specializing in aluminium and renewable energy,...
The Roboverse Expo, a collaboration between Manorama Online and Jain University, has captivated attendees of all ages, especially children. Held at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Kadavanthra, Kochi, the event showcased intriguing exhibits, prominently featuring playful robot dogs. Each 15 kg robot dog, a unique blend of aluminium alloy and robust engineering plastic, was a standout at the Roboverse Expo. These dogs, with their 12 knee joint motors, showcased a wide range of movements, from jumping and sitting to waving, circling, and even standing on their hind legs. About the robots Powered by an 8-core high-performance CPU, these robots boast a battery capacity of 8000 mAh, with an option to upgrade to 15000 mAh. These robotic canines proved to be a favourite among young visitors,...
The winners of the esteemed 'Tube of the Year 2024 Award' by the European Tube Manufacturers Association (ETMA) have been revealed. The selection occurred on May 23, 2024, during ETMA’s annual conference in Warsaw. A panel of seven jurors from member companies identified the top tubes across five categories: aluminium, plastic, laminate, prototypes, and sustainability. ETMA’s Secretary General, Gregor Spengler, stated, ‘European tube manufacturers have once again demonstrated their strong innovative strength and creativity in this year’s competition. This is demonstrated not least by the large number of tubes submitted for the competition in the prototypes category. I am particularly pleased about this, as I see it as an indicator of the wealth of ideas of our member companies, which is a...
Ball Corporation, the world's leading supplier of sustainable aluminium packaging solutions for beverage products, has announced the appointment of Dr Mandy Glew as the Senior Vice President and President of the EMEA and Asia regions. This leadership change follows Dr Glew's promotion in March to President of EMEA and Asia, succeeding Carey Causey, who has taken on the role of Chief Growth Officer at Ball. Dr Glew, who joined Ball Corporation in October 2020, brings a wealth of experience to her new position. With over two decades of expertise in commercial operations, sales, marketing, and manufacturing within the fast-moving consumer goods and consumer electronics sectors, she is well-equipped to lead in this capacity. Before her tenure at Ball, Dr Glew held various senior management...
In the age of digital transformation, companies are increasingly outsourcing their computing power to external data centres rather than maintaining in-house servers. These expansive facilities, filled with powerful servers, offer a more efficient and secure data processing and storage solution. One of the key challenges for these data centres is managing server heat and maintaining their buildings' architectural integrity. Many are embracing the innovative solution of ventilated aluminium wall cladding to tackle these concerns. This cutting-edge cladding not only regulates temperature, preventing servers from overheating, but also elevates these massive buildings' aesthetic and structural quality, sparking curiosity and interest. By incorporating ventilated aluminium wall cladding, data...
Kolkata Metro, India's oldest metro network, is transforming significantly to enhance its services and overall efficiency. Metro Railway has laid out comprehensive plans to upgrade its infrastructure and assets as part of an ambitious modernisation initiative. This initiative is set to substantially improve the commercial operations of Kolkata's rapid transit system, promising a more reliable and advanced commuting experience for its passengers. The changes will mark a new era for the Metro, aligning it with global standards and reinforcing its pivotal role in the city's public transportation landscape. India's first Metro system is upgrading its steel third rail to aluminium third rail, aiming to reduce energy loss by around 84 per cent. This change, occurring after 38 years, will save...
Estathé, the iconic Italian tea beverage brand from the Ferrero Group, has teamed up with Crown to roll out a refreshing summer promotion in infinitely recyclable aluminium cans. The promotion features a sleek 330ml aluminium can, Crown's lightest, with an optimised weight. The vibrant campaign showcases a variety of humorous and relatable beach characters, posing the question to consumers: "Which beach type are you?" To bring this promotion to life, Estathé collaborated with Crown's beverage team in EMEA to produce cans locally in Parma, Italy. The vibrant and creative designs result from a sophisticated manufacturing technique and flawless printing execution, showcasing the expertise of Crown's teams. Crown's Colorful Accents technology By leveraging its Colorful Accents technology,...
Strategic Marine, a leading aluminium shipbuilder, has announced a significant advancement in the maritime industry. Partnering with the renowned design firm BMT Limited, Strategic Marine is set to construct four state-of-the-art 27m Z-Bow Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) for Ventus Marine, serving the markets in Europe and Taiwan. This milestone project not only underscores Strategic Marine's commitment to excellence but also signifies a significant step forward in the offshore wind support vessel sector. About the delivery Scheduled for delivery by the end of 2024, two of these innovative vessels will operate in Europe under the management of Njord Offshore Ltd, while the other two will serve in Taiwan under Njord Marine Ltd. This venture builds upon Strategic Marine's successful history,...
The use of aluminium in bike frames can be traced back to the late 19th century. Since then, it has been one of the most relied-on and widely used materials for bike frames. Notable companies like Brompton, Hero Lectro, Orange Bikes, etc, have incorporated aluminium in their bicycle frames. When browsing for bike frames, one will notice a variety of materials used by manufacturers in their construction. Each material has advantages and disadvantages, which can influence how you use the bike and the type of terrain on which you plan to ride. Aluminium is extensively utilised in the cycling industry for various components, primarily due to its advantageous properties. Its unique blend of characteristics makes it particularly well-suited for bicycle frames and parts. At 1/3 the density of...
