AL Circle Analysis: Aluminium’s recycling economics, trade walls and carbon rules converge
The story of the aluminium industry is starting a chapter wherein scrap availability, recycling technology, trade policy, carbon costs and demand growth are becoming increasingly interconnected. From the US and Canada to Europe, India, New Zealand and China, recent developments show that the global aluminium supply chain is being reshaped on several fronts at once. These developments point to a changing aluminium business model: access to metal alone may no longer be enough. Quality of recycled feedstock, domestic processing capacity, carbon intensity, trade exposure and the ability to meet increasingly specific customer requirements could become equally important competitive factors. Join the fourth edition of the webinar “Hedging for recyclers - Become an expert in 6 hours” by Jorge...
Europe holds 10% of global aluminium extrusion demand, supported by Germany’s Constellium, France’s Hydro Extrusions & Italy’s Metra
Across Europe, aluminium extrusion has become closely woven into some of the region’s biggest industrial and construction markets. From automotive and transport to buildings and industrial applications, extruded profiles are finding demand across a wide range of sectors. This is reflected in Europe’s position in the global market: the region accounted for 12 per cent of global aluminium extrusion capacity, making it the second-largest regional contributor after China. At the same time, Europe represented 10 per cent of global aluminium extrusion usage, out of total global usage of 35.35 million tonnes . With production capacity and usage shares relatively close, Europe’s extrusion capacity and consumption are broadly at par. If we break down Europe’s 10 per cent share of global aluminium...
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An AlCircle exclusive interview with Hugues Vincent, CEO of the Aluminium Division of Fives
Fives is a business conglomerate from France having diversified business interest. The company specialises in designing and supplying machines, process equipment, and production lines for the world’s largest industrial groups including the aluminium, steel, glass, automotive, aerospace, logistics, cement, and energy sectors. AlCircle had the opportunity to meet Mr. Hugues Vincent, CEO of the Aluminium Division of Fives and discuss about its business and current projects catering to the aluminium sector on the sideline of the Arab International Aluminium Conference (ARABAL), the premium platform for the aluminium industry that took place in Kuwait city from 11-13 November, 2018. AlCircle could get an insight into the latest innovations and developments in the industry, directly from a key...
An interview with Abdelzaher Abdelsattar Hassan Abdou, Chairman & CEO, Egyptalum; the oldest aluminium producer in the MENA region
Egyptalum (Egyptian Aluminium Company) is the largest aluminium producer in Egypt and the oldest in the MENA region. It is also one of the largest in North Africa having a total annual production of around 320,000 tonnes. It produces primary aluminium and rolling and extrusion products. Abdelzaher Abdelsattar Hassan Abdou is the Chairman and CEO of Egyptalum who brings more than 37 years of experience to the aluminium production process in Egyptalum. The company has significantly transformed under his leadership to reach an annual production capacity of 320,000 tonnes by the end of 2010. AlCircle had the opportunity to meet Abdelzaher Abdelsattar Hassan Abdou and discuss about his company’s current projects and future plans on the third day of the Arab International Aluminium Conference...
P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis on DROSRITE™, the salt-free, cost-effective system for aluminium recovery from dross
PyroGenesis Canada Inc. is a Company that designs, develops, manufactures and commercializes plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch products. PyroGenesis' DROSRITE™ system is a salt-free, cost-effective process for maximizing aluminium recovery from dross, a waste generated in the smelting, processing and recycling process. Mr. P. Peter Pascali, President and CEO of PyroGenesis, provides a general update on its DROSRITE™ business line in the below interview: AlCircle: Please describe to us in brief what DROSRITE™ is, and some of its benefits? Mr. Pascali: Let’s take an aluminium smelter as an example. As the hot aluminium is formed, it comes in contact with oxygen, and a dross is formed on the surface. This dross acts like a sponge and it effectively absorbs valuable metal. The...
Italy-India co-operation on eco-metallurgy: an interview with Mario Bodini, CEO of Sideridraulic
Finding a balance between markets and the aluminium and steel production sectors, this is the main statement that Mario Bodini, CEO of Sideridraulic, has made to Al Circle. Since the post-war period, this Italian company has been a pioneer in metal development, with its innovative products in the hydraulic automation and water purification sectors. It takes its place alongside Danieli, which accompanied the company’s growth in steel, as well as other groups like Lucchini, Techint, Dalmine, Thissen Group and many others around the world. AlCircle: What do you think of the cooperation between Italy and India in the field of air and water purification in the metallurgy sector? Mario Bodini: It will be a crucial sector for the development of both countries, the first in the role of integrator...
Mecfor AGV & MMTP vehicle: In an interview with Eloise Harvey, President, Mecfor and Dario Tremblay, Product Advisor
Mecfor recently unveiled the first automated guided prototype vehicle for aluminium smelters on August 16 in Quebec. The AGV designed and manufactured in North America, will serve the global primary aluminium industry. Based in Saguenay, Quebec, Mecfor specializes in equipment design and manufacture for the global aluminium, mining and metals, and rail industries. AlCircle spoke to Ms Eloise Harvey, President, Mecfor and Mr Dario Tremblay, Eng., Product Advisor about the AGV, MMTP and Mecfor’s other specialized mobile and stationary equipment for aluminium smelters. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: How has Mecfor revolutionized the specialized mobile and stationary equipment for aluminium smelters? Eloïse Harvey: “Revolutionized” is a big word but let say that we thrive to...
Top ten aluminium extrusion companies in India
Indian aluminium industry has been known primarily because of the three major primary producers Nalco, Hindalco and Vedanta. The semi-finished sector is dominated by the SME sector. The major chunk of India’s aluminium consumption is driven by power sector and building and construction sector. This has driven the growth of domestic aluminium extrusion sector. In India, aluminium extrusions are gaining fast growth due to increasing usage in building and construction sector. Construction growth due to government’s smart city projects, infrastructural spending and rapid urbanization is driving the demand for aluminium extrusions. India has an extensive network of aluminium extruders from the private Corporate and SME sector. We are listing the major aluminium extrusion companies in India...
In conversation with Dr. Hans O Bohner, an aluminium industry legend since 1950
Born in Salzburg (Austria) in 1923, Dr Hans O Bohner is a name to reckon with in the global aluminium industry. A chemical engineer and a Ph. D. in Chemistry, his career spans from 1948 to 2014. Starting with Aluminiumwerk, Rorschach, Switzerland, his work with the aluminium sector took him to Canada, Germany, Norway, Iceland, UK, Russia, China, India and many more countries. He worked with some of the biggest names in the aluminium sector like Alcan, ALUSUISSE, Hindalco, Hydro Aluminium, Vedanta, Chinalco, Giulini, etc. He also offered his expertise in aluminium to top aluminium market research organizations like Metal Bulletin / CRU and with metal traders like Trafigura, Alaska Metals and Transworld. AlCircle feels privileged to publish the interview of an industry expert like Dr....
In Conversation - With Mr. Dominic Marcotte, Consul and Director, Bureau du Quebec in Mumbai
AlCircle has been in a cordial relationship with Bureau du Quebec in Mumbai, mostly attributed to our long time association with Aluminium Association of Canada as well as the Quebec Aluminium Industry, as a portal catering to the global aluminium sector. We had an opportunity to interact with Mr. Dominic Marcotte, Consul and Director, Bureau du Quebec in Mumbai, during the Quebec National Day event in Mumbai. The extremely cordial and well versed diplomat talked about the positively growing relationship between Canada and India and about the common bond that holds together both the countries, i.e. aluminium. We asked a few questions on the trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada and on how Quebec, the aluminium hub of Canada is exploring the Indian market. Here is an excerpt from the...
An Interview with Mr Alessandro Cesana, Director, Metalbeaters Limited
The Metalbeaters Limited is a private and international, metal commodities trading company, engaged in the physical merchanting, development and support, over the metallurgical sector's demand for alloyed elements. Metalbeaters is a team of experts, providing the market with the most sound and reliable support towards the metallurgical elements supply and application's advisory. Here is an excerpt from a brief interview with Mr Alessandro Cesana, Director, Metalbeaters Limited. AlCircle: Please tell us in brief about the scope of operations for Metalbeaters Limited. Mr Cesana: Metalbeaters’ scope of operation is to deliver the best pricing, for the finest master alloys and alloying elements quality to our customers, in the least amount of time. AlCircle: Which metallurgical sectors does...
Tariff Issues, New Markets, Manufacturing Development, Sustainable Growth; a conversation on aluminium with Maurizio Sala, President of Amafond
The Gala Dinner of the Gulf Aluminium Council, held in Oman on March 21st, provided the opportunity for a long conversation with Maurizio Sala, President of Amafond and of Foundry Ecocer, an excellent connoisseur of the aluminium industry and of the Middle East area. The metal foundry segment which Maurizio Sala represents is a significant part of Italy’s manufacturing industry which is successful in the metallurgical value chain. Amafond brand can compete on international markets with excellent results in the advance sectors of metal machining and of light alloys for the automotive industry, mechanics, electronics, building and construction. Q: Let us begin with one of the hottest topics these days, US tariffs on aluminium and steel enforced by Trump. Even before the announcement by the...
“The role of AluQuebec is to encourage the development of the culture of aluminium in Quebec,” MARIE LAPOINTE, CEO AluQuébec
AlCircle had an opportunity to talk to Ms MARIE LAPOINTE, the Chief Executive Officer of AluQuébec; the Quebec Aluminium cluster . She obtained more than 25 years of senior executive experience at Rio Tinto before joining AluQuébec . She is a marketing and strategic analysis specialist and leads the implementation of plans and projects decided by the organization and the cluster’s working groups. She builds on support services provided to all the participants in the Quebec aluminium sector. Team AlCircle had an opportunity to meet her personally in Quebec and get a first-hand understanding of how AluQuébec is playing its part in bringing together the entire aluminium value chain present in Quebec. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Tell us in brief about the association of...
An Interview with Dr. Anthony Tropeano, an industry consultant and Senior Advisor, Foundry Ecocer
A well-known and respected Aluminium Industry figure Dr. Anthony Tropeano , in this interview, talks about his latest venture into consultancy with Milan-based Foundry Ecocer. Q: Thank you for agreeing to speak with us. Firstly, can you refresh our memories regarding your background in the Aluminium Industry? Dr. Tropeano: After 38 successful years in the ferrous and non-ferrous industries, I decided to retire from FATA SpA. I joined FATA in 1994, and since then have held a number of executive positions within the company. For many years I successfully led FATA's two operating divisions, FATA Hunter (world leader in engineering and equipment manufacturing for the aluminium flat rolled product industries) and FATAEPC (supplier of complete plants on a LSTK-EPC basis), as Chief Executive...
“At STAS, we sustain our company in a fiercely competitive industry by believing in our people, who in turn ensure our performance exceeds all competitors’,” Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. and Executive President at STAS
AlCircle team visited Québec Aluminium Cluster on invitation of Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation in the last part of 2017. AlCircle Content Head Beethika Biswas visited the office and plant of STAS at Chicoutimi, Québec, Canada, one of the world leading equipment manufacturers and suppliers for the aluminium industry and a trusted associate of AlCircle as well as Jiwanram Group. She spoke to Louis Bouchard, P. Eng. and Executive President at STAS , and discussed about STAS’ current domestic and international operations and future strategies in the aluminium sector. An excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Tell us in brief about your company history and present structure. Mr Bouchard: STAS Inc. is a Canada based; family-owned company specialized in the development,...
“Mecfor has been able to position itself as a solution provider for the aluminium industry for the past 20 years,” Ms Eloise Harvey, President of Mecfor
Very recently, AlCircle team visited Québec Aluminium Cluster on invitation of Quebec’s Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation. AlCircle Content Head Beethika Biswas visited the office of Mecfor and spoke to Ms Eloise Harvey, President of the company, on Mecfor’s present domestic and international business and future strategies. Ms Harvey had done a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering followed by a degree in Business Management and joined the family run firm in 1999. Mecfor is a supplier of both fixed and mobile equipment to the aluminium value chain. They operate from Quebec Canada and supplies to many brownfield plants in North America and other parts of the world. Mecfor molten metal transfer by pressurization Here is a brief excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Mecfor is an...
“In future aluminium will become predominant in the windows/doors fabrication.” Andrea Trevisan, Sales Manager, SAT (surface aluminium technologies) S.p.A
SAT (SURFACE ALUMINIUM TECHNOLOGIES) S.p.A is an Italian engineering company dedicated to design, produce and install aluminium extrusions surface finishing equipment and packaging systems. SAT has earned the reputation of a market leader in finishing equipment market after 35 years of offering innovative solutions, which are now recognized as worldwide standards. AlCircle spoke to Andrea Trevisan, Sales Manager, SAT and discussed about the company, its business and the current and potential market for SAT. CUBE Trevisan, the first Vertical Powder Coating Line in the world Here is a brief excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Please, tell us in brief about the history and current business profile of SAT. Andrea Trevisan : SAT (Surface Aluminium Technology) S.p.A is an Italian engineering...
“Aluminium is substituting a lot of steel component, and this is the reason why the market is growing so fast,” Roberto Forcella, President of Lucchini RS Tool Steel S.r.l, Italy
Mr. Roberto Forcella, Commercial and Marketing Director of Lucchini RS SpA, President of Lucchini Tool Steel, and a Board member of Lucchini Beijing, Lucchini Poland, Lucchini Sweden, Lucchini India, represented the Italian manufacturing company at this year’s METEF exhibition held in Verona, Italy. He oversees the business for Lucchini’s entire range of products- Steel, Railways, Forging and Casting. Mr. Roberto Forcella started his career in the industry with Italsider, an Italian steel company, as quality controller for steel making and forging production, and then proceeded as Quality Manager for rolling stock materials. In 1980 he moved to the Sales department dedicated to the Italian market. When Terni Group took over the Lovere plant, he became Sales Responsible for all rolling...
“ALUMINUM USA is a business platform for all players along the value chain from primary to downstream,” Michael Mandl, Group Vice President - Reed Exhibitions US
With ALUMINUM USA, Reed Exhibitions is expanding its world leading brand ALUMINIUM to one of the most important markets for the global aluminium industry. The world's second largest consumer market for aluminium is experiencing exponential growth in various end user industries, especially in transportation and packaging. ALUMINUM USA 2017 will offer an apt meeting place for suppliers of raw material, semi-finished and finished products, surface treatment and producers of machinery, plant and equipment for aluminium processing and manufacturing. We spoke to Michael Mandl, Group Vice President - Reed Exhibitions US that is organizing this mega event in association with Aluminum Association. He spoke about the main highlights of the events along with the U.S. aluminium industry and it...
“Nature friendly technologies and overall approach to business will secure strong demand for our products in the future,” Mr Oleg Mukhamedshin, Deputy CEO, Director for Strategy, Business Development and Financial Markets, Rusal
AlCircle had the privilege to have an interview with Mr Oleg Mukhamedshin , Deputy CEO, Director for Strategy, Business Development and Financial Markets of Rusal, the world’s second largest aluminium producer. He spoke at length about Rusal’s current project and strategies and the global aluminium market, and shared his company outlook on aluminium demand and supply. Here is an excerpt from the interview: AlCircle: Rusal has reported improved Q2 and H1results for 2017. What is the company outlook for the second half of 2017? Mr Oleg Mukhamedshin : Indeed, RUSAL has demonstrated solid performance in the first half of 2017. Combination of favourable market conditions with aluminium price growth on LME to an average of USD 1,880 per tonne in 1H2017, or by 21,8% y-o-y, and the Company’s...
