Advances in powder metallurgy are expanding the potential of aluminium matrix composites for ships, offshore platforms and underwater equipment, with improved corrosion resistance, mechanical performance and lightweight properties. Aluminium composites could offer new material options for demanding marine environments, where corrosion, mechanical stresses and seawater exposure challenge conventional alloys. Recent research reviews how powder metallurgy is helping develop reinforced aluminium materials with properties suited to these operating conditions. Powder metallurgy improves aluminium composite performance Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) combine an aluminium matrix with reinforcing materials to enhance performance compared with conventional monolithic aluminium alloys. Their...
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,...
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Golden Grail Beverages has unveiled its latest eco-conscious endeavour: the launch of KOZ Water in 16 oz aluminium cans. This introduction addresses the escalating consumer demand for sustainable and health-oriented hydration choices. In line with this commitment, the company plans to allocate significant resources to ensure widespread availability of KOZ Water, with initial rollouts slated for as early as May 2024 in select locations. “Emphasising our commitment to not only personal health but also to the planet, it’s important to highlight the broader environmental impact of packaging choices. The global recycling rate for plastic bottles languishes below 50%, with a fraction being repurposed into new bottles. In stark contrast, aluminium stands as a beacon of recyclability, boasting...
Government policies and subsidies have been instrumental in fostering the growth of the electric vehicle market. However, as these incentives are phased out and policies evolve, the public will increasingly shape the future market adoption trajectory. As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common on roads, the number of charging points is also rising. This trend is expected to continue as nations strive to reduce emissions in alignment with net-zero goals and internationally agreed temperature targets. The United States recently introduced more stringent national pollution standards for passenger cars and light-medium vehicles. These standards mandate a 56 per cent reduction in tailpipe pollution and vehicle carbon emissions by 2032, based on 2026 levels. While this doesn't...
Polestar , the renowned electric car manufacturer, is venturing into the handheld device realm with its inaugural AI smartphone crafted from aerospace-grade aluminium and crystal-polished glass. The grand unveiling is slated for April 23rd, 2024, in China, coinciding with the debut of the concept car Synergy, all set to unfold at the prestigious Polestar Brand Night event. Polestar has taken to Weibo to entice its audience with a series of sneak peeks unveiling the much-anticipated AI smartphone. So far, the glimpses reveal a device designed with meticulous attention to detail. The frame, elegantly rounded at the edges, is crafted from NP66 aerospace-grade aluminium, renowned for its shockproof properties. This ensures durability even in the event of accidental drops. This choice of...
In a resplendent unveiling, Carlsberg Kazakhstan recently inaugurated its illustrious $50 million production hub in Almaty. This avant-garde facility signifies a profound investment in the burgeoning Kazakh beverage landscape. Carlsberg Kazakhstan's new facility promises to be a catalyst for economic prosperity. This visionary venture is anticipated to create employment opportunities for a legion of skilled workers, embarking on a journey to reshape the local workforce landscape. Elevating capacity and sustainability With a steadfast commitment to excellence, the facility is set to elevate production capacity, catering to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage markets, approximately 2.3 mn hectoliters to 3 mn hectoliters annually. The plans indicate there will be an increase in the...
On April 15, 2024, the multinational company with headquarters in Milan, specialising in producing electrical cable Prysmian, announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement under which it will acquire Encore Wire for $290.00 per share in cash. The Transaction represents a premium of approximately 20 per cent to the 30-day volume weighted average share price (VWAP) as of Friday, April 12, 2024, and approximately 29 per cent to the 90-day VWAP as of the same date. At the transaction terms, Encore Wire’s implied Enterprise Value is approximately €3.9 billion, representing a multiple of 8.2x EV/2023A EBITDA and 6.3x EV/2023A EBITDA, including run-rate synergies. Encore Wire is a premier manufacturer offering a wide array of copper and aluminium electrical wires and cables...
Established by the visionary Hyunseog Oh, the Seoul-based studio Niceworkshop has mesmerised the world with its innovative exploration into the realm of aluminium formwork. Let's delve into the transformative journey that unfolds at Capsule Plaza during Milan Design Week 2024. Hyunseog Oh's journey is one of symbiosis between artistry and industry. Inspired by his early encounters on construction sites, Oh's passion for industrial materials was ignited . With a background in interior architecture from Soongsil University, his fusion of form and function finds resonance in every creation. From Bolt to brilliance – Rimowa comes into the picture Niceworkshop's debut 'Bolt' collection, a homage to the unsung heroism of screws, garnered global acclaim. The Bolt collection's success garnered...
Coppice, a prominent supplier in the packaging industry, has recently appointed Alan Taylor as its new sales director. With a celebrated background spanning over 25 years in various substrates within the packaging sector, including 18 years specifically in aluminium, Alan brings a wealth of experience to his new role. In his capacity as sales director, Alan will spearhead the development of strategic initiatives geared towards achieving sustainable global expansion for Coppice. His responsibilities also entail driving the introduction of innovative products across multiple export channels, a move aimed at enhancing the company's market presence and customer offerings. Leon Elston, Managing Director of Coppice, expressed his enthusiasm about Alan joining the team, emphasising the alignment...
Dr Winfred Nii Okai Hammond, Ghana's Ambassador to China, has expressed appreciation towards Zonda Tec Ghana Limited and Shantui Construction Machinery Co. Ltd for their initiative in establishing a training centre. This centre aims to offer practical training opportunities for the youth of Ghana, specifically in the field of heavy-duty vehicle assembly and maintenance. Dr Hammond addressed attendees at a ceremony held in Tema on Monday, April 15, 2024, marking the commencement of a collaborative venture between Zonda Tec Ghana Limited and Shantui Construction Machinery Co. Ltd. This partnership aimed to facilitate the distribution of Shantui's machinery range within Ghana. The initiative was anticipated to broaden access to Shantui Construction Machinery Co. Ltd's products and services...
Headquartered in the US, Belvac, known for providing the global aluminium beverage can industry with sustainable solutions, announced the appointment of Eric Hodge as the new Vice President of Global Business Development. With an impressive 15-year tenure at Belvac, Eric has spearheaded the company's global sales development and service strategies. Eric's leadership has driven Belvac's growth and success to new heights throughout his tenure. In his expanded capacity, Eric will now take on direct leadership of Belvac's global and regional parts and service centres. Belvac, a pioneer in the industry, remains committed to innovation and close collaboration with key stakeholders. The company's growth initiatives are guided by the invaluable input from customers, a testament to Belvac's...
Japan-based YKK Corporation, a renowned global manufacturer of fastening products, has announced its plans to shift towards eco-friendly zippers by adopting alloy wires made from low-carbon aluminium. This strategic move aligns with the company's goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as outlined in its Sustainability Vision 2050. To achieve this, the company has partnered with Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. and Sumitomo Electric Toyama Co., Ltd., signing a contract for using low-carbon aluminium. Starting in fiscal year 2024, YKK will commence purchasing the low-carbon alloy wires for their aluminium zippers. This marks the beginning of a staged transition from traditional aluminium alloy zippers to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. The company intends...
Reynaers Aluminium has launched its long-awaited new generation, high-usage anti-finger trap thermal commercial door and framing system, developed specifically for the UK market. With its distinctive slim bulb-style boasting a radius of only 40mm, a profile sightline of 81mm, and the ability to achieve a U-value as low as 1.1W/m2K, Vision 7 stands out. It also features a unique post-installation adjustable bottom pivot, allowing installers to make final adjustments after the door has been installed. This thermally broken door is suitable for a range of ground-floor applications, such as schools, hospitals, retail outlets, leisure facilities, offices, and entrances to large commercial buildings. It is an ideal solution for sustainability-driven projects and provides a range of additional...
Luxury meets innovation as Leica, renowned for its prestigious cameras since 1869, ventures into the realm of cinema TVs. Embracing aluminium as a hallmark of durability and sophistication, Leica unveils its latest marvel – the Cine 1 projector. Crafted with precision, the Cine 1 boasts a sleek aluminium frame reminiscent of Leica's iconic craftsmanship. Its avant-garde design, reminiscent of a futuristic speaker, captivates with its blend of elegance and functionality. Immersive visuals and audio Equipped with a Leica Summicron lens, the Cine 1 delivers breathtaking 4K images powered by RGB-laser light technology. Complemented by Dolby Atmos-compatible speakers, offering 50W power output, it envelopes viewers in a cinematic audio-visual experience. For optimal performance, Leica offers...
In the bustling landscape of electric motorcycles, Peugeot Motocycles emerges with the SPx concept, heralding a new era of sustainable urban commuting. Crafted with ingenuity and inspired by heritage, the SPx showcases the marriage of modern design and eco-conscious materials, with aluminium at its core. Behind the scenes, Indian conglomerate Mahindra holds a stake in the French brand, adding a global dimension to the SPx's journey. This partnership underscores a commitment to innovation and sustainability, echoing through the SPx's design ethos. Heritage reimagined: Aluminium as the backbone Drawing inspiration from the iconic Peugeot 103 moped of the 1970s, renowned for its accessibility and reliability, the SPx redefines urban mobility. At its heart lies a lightweight aluminium frame,...
Fenesta, India's leading brand in windows and doors, marks a significant milestone in the fenestration industry by achieving an order booking of INR 1000 crores in the fiscal year 2024. This accomplishment highlights Fenesta's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service, solidifying its position as a trusted name nationwide. Fenesta's relentless expansion efforts have propelled the brand to new heights, surpassing the INR 200 crore mark in order booking for aluminium windows and doors alone. With a presence in over 900 cities across India and international operations in Maldives, Nepal, and Bhutan, Fenesta has established itself as a formidable player in the global fenestration market. Robust infrastructure Supported by exponential sales and a vast service network...
Dirty Labs, the trailblazing cleaning company committed to rendering petrochemical cleaning obsolete, has just unveiled its latest creation: Murasaki Scent Oil, now available in a recyclable aluminium bottle. After the resounding success of its Signature Scent Oil, which flew off shelves twice, Dirty Labs is ecstatic to introduce a new addition to its scent-focused lineup. Murasaki Scent Oil is artfully designed to complement Dirty Labs' Murasaki Bio Laundry Detergent, offering an unmatched olfactory experience for your freshly washed clothes. Simply sprinkle a few drops of Murasaki Scent Oil onto wool dryer balls before starting your dryer cycle, enveloping your garments in its captivating fragrance. "At Dirty Labs, we're committed to redefining the way people approach laundry day. With...
Durham-based Architectural Glass and Aluminium Limited (ARGLA) has ceased trading and is heading into administration. Specialising in manufacturing architectural glass and aluminium for commercial clients, ARGLA faced unexpected losses on a significant contract and was embroiled in a legal dispute with one of its main contractors. Despite the directors' strenuous efforts to tackle the challenges, including a substantial working capital requirement, they could not secure additional financial support. This led to the unfortunate decision to cease trading. Gareth Harris and Lee Lockwood of RSM Restructuring Advisory LLP are poised to be appointed as joint administrators. Gareth Harris, partner at RSM and joint administrator, said, "Such a large drop in profit on two large contracts has...
In a recent turn of events, the world's largest floating solar plant, nestled within the serene backwaters of Omkareshwar Dam, faced a formidable challenge. A powerful summer storm, with winds reaching up to 50kmph, inflicted damage upon a section of the operational plant. However, amidst adversity, the spirit of resilience prevails. As nations ferry toward sustainable development, the significance of solar energy cannot be understated. Solar plants represent a beacon of hope in our efforts to mitigate climate change and transition toward cleaner energy sources. Moreover, in the context of the aluminium industry's commitment to decarbonisation and sustainability, solar power plays a pivotal role in driving progress. Assessment and recovery: NHDC's swift response The Narmada Hydroelectric...
La Marzocco and Rimowa have joined forces to introduce the La Marzocco Rimowa Linea Mini espresso machine, marrying Italian and German design prowess. This collaboration blends La Marzocco's expertise in coffee-making with Rimowa's renowned anodised aluminium craftsmanship. Crafted in Florence, Italy, each Linea Mini undergoes 40 hours of meticulous handwork, showcasing Rimowa's signature grooved aluminium panels, hand-assembled at La Marzocco's Officine Fratelli Bambi workshop. The Linea Mini stands as a testament to the fusion of craftsmanship and innovation, reflecting the shared values of both brands. Guido Bernardinelli, CEO of La Marzocco, highlights the partnership's commitment to excellence, emphasising its dedication to aesthetic brilliance and product durability. Rimowa CEO...
