Germany’s construction aluminium demand falls 12%, but 2027 recovery and recycling offer fresh growth prospects
Germany’s construction industry has endured several years of contraction, weighed down by elevated financing costs, expensive building materials and subdued residential investment. The downturn has also affected the country’s aluminium industry, with estimated construction-related aluminium consumption declining by around 12 per cent between 2022 and 2025. However, the outlook is beginning to change. With Germany’s construction industry projected to return to growth in 2026 and accelerate further in 2027, opportunities are emerging for aluminium suppliers across residential construction, transport infrastructure, energy networks and commercial developments. At the same time, efforts to strengthen closed-loop aluminium recycling in buildings could provide an additional avenue for growth....
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...
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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...
“One of the largest opportunities in global market today is related to additive manufacturing,” Jacopo Nardi, International Business Manager, RINA Consulting-CSM, Italy
RINA Consulting – Centro Sviluppo Materiali, S.p.A. is a leading R&D and consultancy firm based in Italy. With over 20 laboratories, pilot lines and full scale testing facilities, the company has emerged as the partner of choice for any industrial project in which materials, technology and innovation play a critical role. It provides full support to its global clients in product and process innovation, covering all aspects from metallurgical design to the development and optimization of manufacturing processes. Mr. Jacopo Nardi heads the Materials, technology & Innovation division team of RINA Consulting as the Business Manager - International Development. He joined the company in 2014, after 12 years’ experience in sales in the steel industry, in Italy and in Germany. AlCircle had an...
“Working with more than 1600 varnish codes of the most various colours, I can only see Italcoat as a 'colourful' environment.” Marco Iorio, Plant Manager, Italcoat
Italcoat is a part of Laminazione Sottile Group, specialized in aluminium transformation. The Group’s companies work in an integrated production chain and manufacture rolled aluminium products, in different alloys, dimensions and superficial treatments, including lacquering and printing, and aluminium food trays. Italcoat is involved in surface treatment and lacquering of aluminium coils. After an education in Mechanical Engineering and former experiences in SCA, leading company in the paper sector, and KME, manufacturer of copper and brass rolled products, Marco Iorio enterned the world of coated aluminium products in Italcoat as Plant Manager. Here is an excerpt from a brief interview with the passionate manager. Describe briefly your education background and your work experience...
An interview with Mr Edward Meir -Senior Metals Analyst, INTL FCStone Inc
<p><strong>Mr Ed Meir</strong> is an Independent Commodity Consultant to INTL FCStone and a long-time collaborator with Italian-based International Commodities Club FARO. Mr. Meir has been in the commodities business for about 30 years in various capacities. After getting his BA in Economics from McGill University and his MBA from New York University, Mr. Meir started his career as a futures research analyst covering the sugar, coffee, and cocoa markets. He then spent the next 18 years in the physical markets, trading aluminium, tin and steel. Mr. Meir was ranked by <em>Metal Bulletin</em> as the #1 overall base metals analyst in 2011, 2014 and 2015 and was ranked number #2 in precious metals in 2014 and #3 in 2013.</p> <p>He discussed trends in the global metal market and more...
An Interview with Piero Starita, Director of Laviosa Minerals S.p.A., Italy, at METEF 2017
<p>Mr. Piero Starita, Director of Laviosa Minerals S.p.A.- the Advanced Minerals Solutions company of Italy, talked to AlCircle ahead of Metef 2017 exhibition in Verona, Italy. He spoke about his company’s bentonite and other industrial mineral excavation, processing and distribution activities, its mining operations in India, upcoming plans and various challenges that it has been facing in the international market.</p> <p>Mr. Starita has remained the President Amafond from 2008 till 2012, and exceptionally again from 2014 till 2015. Currently, he is a BoD member of Cemafon, Frankfurt and Ima – Euba, Bruxelles. He is also a BoD member in several companies in Italy, Spain, France, and India. Laviosa Minerals participated in METEF 2017, the international expo of customized...
An Interview with Mr. Stefano Giacometti, Sales Director, IMS Deltamatic Group S.p.a., Italy at METEF 2017
<p><strong>IMS Deltamatic Group</strong>, born from the synergy of two specialized and diversified companies, has emerged as the international reference point in manufacturing of innovative technologically advanced machinery as well as service solutions for the web-converting (IMS and OMM brands) and automotive interior manufacturing industries. M<strong>r. Stefano Giacometti</strong> who joined the company (Deltamatic) back in 1992 is presently Sales Director for the Converting Foil & Aseptic Division and for the Automotive Thermoforming Division.</p> <p>AlCircle had the opportunity to meet Mr. Giacometti at the recently held Metef 2017 in Verona, Italy, where IMS Deltamatic was exhibiting. He spoke about the company’s journey as a leading aluminium foil machining company and...
