AL Circle analysis: Germany’s aluminium trade surplus, Novelis’ US expansion, Asia’s EV demand & India’s underutilised downstream capacity
Aluminium’s next growth phase is increasingly being shaped by downstream processing, supply-chain resilience and demand from specialised applications. Germany continues to generate a substantial trade surplus in flat-rolled products despite a shrinking primary aluminium base, while North America is investing in recycling and rolling. Across Asia, new manufacturing capabilities and growing demand from electric vehicles, railways and batteries are creating further opportunities. However, declining exports, underutilised capacity and uneven profitability show that investment alone does not guarantee success. For industry leaders, the challenge is to identify where demand is shifting, develop products that meet customer requirements and ensure that new investments translate into sustainable...
AL Circle Analysis: From Guinea to Gulf, how bauxite, tariffs and logistics redraw aluminium map
Aluminium markets in late 2026 are being shaped by more than the headline LME aluminium price. Bauxite security, alumina availability, geopolitical disruptions, tariff negotiations, logistics diversification and regional premiums are increasingly determining where metal moves and what buyers pay. From RUSAL reassessing Caribbean assets and Vedanta securing Odisha bauxite to Brazil extending mine life and EGA rebuilding its Guinea supply chain, producers are strengthening control over critical raw materials. At the same time, the US remains heavily dependent on imported bauxite and alumina, while Europe and Asia are experiencing sharply different premium dynamics. These developments point to a market where physical availability is becoming a regional factor even as aluminium itself remains...
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“Before the pandemic, we saw the need for connectivity and moved into Industry 4.0,” Peter Unwin, AMETEK Land and AMETEK Surface Vision’s Global Industry Manager – Metals
Peter is a chartered mechanical engineer and long serving member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). He has worked in the metals industry for over 30 years during which time he has gained a broad knowledge of the production of steel and aluminium from smelting through to finished products. He has spent the majority of his time leading technical sales teams and developing close customer relationships globally in the flat metals sector specialising in equipment for casting and rolling steel and aluminium strip products. Here, we have Mr Unwin with us sharing some of his views on the importance on Industry 4.0 during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. In his view, Industry 4.0 facilitates you to access accurate data at any point in time and from anywhere, which is exactly a need...
“The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the relevance of Industry 4.0 as an essential strategic component of manufacturing” - Dr Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Associate Professor in Cyber Security Management, Coventry University
Dr Alexeis Garcia-Perez is an Associate Professor in Cyber Security Management at Coventry University (UK) and a Visiting Research Scholar at Georgetown University (USA). His original background in Computer Science was complemented by a PhD in Information Systems from Cranfield University, enabling an interdisciplinary perspective of Business Information Systems practice and research. Alexeis leads the ‘ Data, Organisations and Society’ research team at Coventry University’s Research Centre for Business in Society. He works with a range of organisations from the public and private sectors, helping them shape the policy and practices that support the digital transformation of businesses and society. Here, we have him with us sharing his insights into how the Industry 4.0 is gradually...
‘‘We see no change in the importance of the sustainability issue or the necessity to move towards a Circular Economy because of the pandemic”- Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director, The European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA)
The European Aluminium Foil Association is the international body representing companies engaged in the rolling and rewinding of alufoil and in the manufacture of aluminium closures, alufoil semi-rigid containers and of all kind of flexible packaging. With its more than 40 members, the organisation represents the total aluminium foil rolling market in Europe. Guido Aufdemkamp, Executive Director of the European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA), gives an insight into EAFA’s outlook for 2020 and business strategies post COVID- 19 in the below interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Guido Aufdemkamp: The overall economic shock particularly impacts the automotive and aerospace sectors and will have huge negative...
“As a group focused on design, production, and maintenance of equipment, we see innovation as a way to make our solutions more efficient and competitive” - Cédric Schmuck, Director of the Aluminium Division within REEL
REEL is an industrial group specializing in complex lifting and handling systems as well as integrated systems solutions. It is using the present sanitary crisis to reinforce an Industry 4.0 approach in its different markets: Nuclear, Aluminium, Aeronautics, Offshore, etc. Many technological opportunities appear in the field of equipment, maintenance, or even design methods. Cédric Schmuck, Director of the Aluminium Division within REEL , in an interview with AlCircle said, as a group focused on design, production, and maintenance of equipment, we see innovation as a way to make our solutions more efficient and competitive. He also said that although the corona crisis has weighed on the aluminium production, but that should not impact the companies so much, owing to the lower input costs...
“The COVID will impact by continuing to reduce demand for aluminium which might still put more pressure on AL price,” Eloise Harvey, President of Mecfor
Mecfor supplies and manufactures specialized equipment for heavy industry for primary aluminium smelters and secondary plants, mining, rail and nuclear. Its customer-centric approach as well as its production capacity allow for a great flexibility of adaptation. They operate from Quebec Canada and supplies to many plants in North America and other parts of the world. Eloise Harvey, President of Mecfor, has shared how COVID-19 pandemic has impacted its business and the global aluminium value chain. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Eloise Harvey : Due to the pandemic, some smelters have curtailed their production, some others have shutdown facilities (e.g.: Alcoa Intalco Works)....
An AlCircle exclusive interview with Dr Mario Conserva, President of the International Aluminium Exhibition METEF
AlCircle is honoured to have had an opportunity to interract with Dr Mario Conserva, who is associated with the aluminium sector since 1963. He is currently the President of the International Aluminium Exhibition METEF, General Director of the International Magazine A&L Aluminium & Alloys, and General Secretary of FACE, Federation of Aluminium Consumers Europe. Dr Conserva has shared with us about how the metal markets are being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and what prospects we can expect for the aluminium sector this year. He has also shared his insightful thoughts on how to overcome this delicate moment. So, here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: How have the metal markets been affected by Covid -19? Dr Conserva : Covid - 19 is an epochal tragedy that has fallen...
“It is now important to continuously improve productivity to keep costs of production as low as possible for combatting COVID19 impact” - Antti Koulumies, Vice President, Aluminium Business Line, Outotec
Outotec provides industry benchmark technologies and life-cycle services for their customers in metals and mining, industrial water treatment, alternative energy, and chemical sector. Here, we have with us the company’s aluminium business Vice President Antti Koulumies to share how Outotec is coping up the COVID19 pandemic. Mr Koulumies says ensuring the wellbeing of the employees and stakeholders and innovating and improving operations to serve customers better are their key strategies now to sustain the business. Here is an excerpt from the brief interview: AlCircle : What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Antti Koulumies: From what we’ve seen, only one aluminium smelter and one alumina refinery have curtailed production during...
Mahindra's mHawk engines are made of Aluminium instead of Steel
Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, an Indian multinational automobile manufacturing corporation headquartered in Mumbai, India, develops a mHawk range of engines. It is a significant engine for the company and has been enhancing over the years. The Scorpio is known to be very famous in rural areas. It is also used to go unpaved paths, so a powerful engine is needed for this. In recent times, the engine has made a transition to fit the BS6 emission norms. The car lost the 2.5-litre diesel engine. But this engine was outdated, and the 2.2-litre mHawk has also gotten a power upgrade. The car now produces an impressive 140 bhp and 250 nm of torque. This is a significant power upgrade from the previous engine that produced 120 bhp. The mHawk range of diesel engines brought in the capability of...
“Despite the impact of COVID-19, we plan to continue to progress ASI's mission with all the tools we have available to us”- Fiona Solomon, CEO, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit standards setting and certification organisation. It aims to recognise and foster the responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium. ASI is the result of producers, users and stakeholders in the aluminium value chain coming together with a commitment to maximising the contribution of aluminium to a sustainable society. Fiona Solomon, CEO of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative gives an insight into the ASI's plans and strategies post COVID- 19 in the below interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Fiona Solomon: As ASI runs a global Certification program; one of our key areas of focus has been on the impact of...
“A3 Surfaces has designed a process that incorporates and seals an antimicrobial agent in aluminium. We were topical before COVID-19, we are even more today.” - Dr. Guy Leblanc, Vice-President and Medical Advisor - A3 Surfaces
A3 Surfaces, a start-up based in Saguenay, Quebec, developed a ground-breaking technology that can transform aluminium products into antimicrobial surfaces capable of eliminating the risks of bacterial and viral disease transmission in a matter of seconds to a few minutes. Applying this technology in hospitals, public transports and other public areas could help prevent the next pandemic. Alcircle: What’s your initial thought about the impact of COVID-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Dr Guy Leblanc : We believe the impact, in the long run, will be negligible in regard of the COVID-19. The impact on aluminium business will mainly be related to the change of paradigm in transportation (Autonomous EV) and in a more durable building with more efficient HVAC and insulation. The...
In conversation with Mr José María Gerbolés, CEO of Salico
AlCircle is pleased to interview Mr José María Gerbolés, CEO of Salico, a dedicated Italian-Spanish company to the conception, engineering, manufacturing, putting into operation, training, and servicing of equipment for processing, finishing, and cutting for both ferrous and non-ferrous metal strip. In the interview, Mr Gerbolés has shared the journey of the company, its innovations and inventions, product range, key markets, and his own exclusive outlook for the short, mid, and long-term outlook. That’s not all, Mr Gerbolés has also shared its take on COVID19 and what measure he has taken for the company to combat the crisis and to be able to continue to offer sustainable solutions ahead. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Please take us through Salico’s 40 years journey as...
“We have seen a drop in demand of around 18% in Europe for aluminium on Matmatch as a direct impact of COVID-19”- Ben Smye, Head of Growth, Matmatch
Matmatch is a materials search platform that connects engineers and material suppliers through the most comprehensive materials database in the world. For material suppliers, the company offers a new way to reach customers online. As a go-to source of information for engineers, Matmatch is the perfect platform for suppliers to raise awareness of their products and brand. Ben Smye, Head of Growth at Matmatch, has shared his thoughts on COVID-19 impact on the global aluminium value chain and post-Covid19 business strategies in the below interview: AlCircle: What are your initial thoughts about the impact of Covid-19 on the global aluminium value chain? Ben Smye: I think one issue we could see is that projects are delayed, leading to a drop in demand, at least in the short time. Hopefully...
“We believe that innovation could not be limited to products and processes, but should rather include services as well” -Goksal Gungor, General Manager, Assan Alüminyum
Assan Alüminyum, a subsidiary of Kibar Holding, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the flat-rolled aluminium industry. The company produces coil & sheet, foil and pre-painted aluminium products for a variety of sectors such as packaging, distribution, construction, consumer durables, automotive and HVAC with 1500 dedicated employees. With 300 thousand tonnes of production capacity, Assan Alüminyum is the leading flat-rolled aluminium producer in Turkey. Goksal Gungor, General Manager of Assan Alüminyum, has shared his views on the company’s new R&D strategy and investment plans for 2020 with AlCircle in a brief interview. AlCircle: The use of aluminium FRPs in packaging and automotive saw a rise in 2019 with the shift from alternative packaging materials to aluminium-based...
“I believe China will continue to invest but not necessarily increase its overall production”- Antti Koulumies, Vice President, Aluminium Business Line, Outotec
Outotec provides industry benchmark technologies and life-cycle services for their customers in metals and mining, industrial water treatment, alternative energy, and chemical sector, helping them improve their profitability in a sustainable way. Outotec possesses over a century of experience in developing technologies at its in-house R&D centers. Antti Koulumies, Vice President, Aluminium Business Line, Outotec gives an insight into the company's upcoming projects and new technologies in the aluminium sector for 2020 in the below interview: AlCircle: As a technology provider for the metal and mining sector how has been the year 2019 for you and what are you expecting in 2020? Antti Koulumies: The aluminium market saw a lot of turmoil during 2019 and due to the uncertainty, we saw...
“2020 will be a year of transition during which producers are likely to behave prudently, looking for productivity gains and decisions based on long term investment strategies” - Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. Executive President, STAS Inc
STAS Inc. is a Canadian company specialised in the development, fabrication and commercialisation of process equipment for the global aluminium industry. Aluminium producers that can benefit from STAS technologies range from primary smelters to secondary foundries to aluminium mills and extruders. In the past 30 years, STAS has achieved the world leadership in supplying equipment and improving aluminium productivity and quality. Let us now hear out from the company’s P.Eng. Executive President, Louis Bouchard, who has shared his projection for the aluminium industry of 2020. He believes this year will be an important year for aluminium equipment supplier. He also thinks leadership and innovation-driven production in the Gulf (GCC) is likely to continue this year as energy resources are...
“The certification from ASI Performance Standard is confirming our efforts and goes hand in hand with Hydro’s ambitions of lifting profitability and driving sustainability” - Hilde Merete Aasheim, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro
Norsk Hydro ASA is a Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company, headquartered in Oslo. It is one of the largest aluminium companies worldwide, with operations across 50 countries. Starting from bauxite and alumina, Hydro produces low-carbon aluminium, extruded profiles, building systems, precision tubes, rolled products, and casthouse products. Besides, the company has reckoned a name in the industry by offering a variety of services with unmatched capability and knowledge. It currently has 16 ASI certified extrusion and fabrication facilities. We are grateful to have Hydro with us in our flagship e-magazine LeaderSpeak 2020, where the company’s President and CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim has shared about the new plans and strategies for 2020 and also the futuristic view for the time to...
“2020 will definitely be a key milestone in the deployment of the Fives digital solutions in various sectors,” - Mr Sébastien GAUGUIER, Head of Fives, Aluminium Division
Fives is an industrial engineering group specialised in designing, supplying machines, and processing equipment and production lines for the world’s largest industrial groups, including the aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, aerospace, logistics, cement, and energy sectors. Located in nearly 30 countries and with nearly 8,700 employees, it is known for its technological expertise and competence in executing international projects. It is our pleasure to have with us the company’s aluminium business head Mr Sébastien GAUGUIER, who has shared the company’s performance projection and a few thumb rules for sustainable and carbon-free aluminium smelting process in 2020. He has also spoken about the expected impact of digitization in the time to come and the new digital solutions to be...
A brief interview with Maurizio Sala, President Foundry Ecocer and President of Amafond, Italian Foundry Suppliers’ Association
The EU3 triad of France, Germany and Italy is one of the European Union’s economic pillars. The EU3 triad demonstrates technological and financial development axes and, even after the exit of the UK from Europe, it still contributes 50% of the total budget of Europe’s 26 states. In the exchange between the European Union and India, the metallurgical sector is crucial as it allows for the exchange of enabling technologies, regulated by programs such as Industry 4.0 and Horizon 2020. The new research programs in the metal sector are mainly dedicated to aluminium and its alloys. A comment regarding the Euro-Italian exchange with India comes from the President Foundry Ecocer and Amafond, Maurizio Sala who in recent years has conducted the Indo-Italian Metal Hub missions, - the journeys to...
