Fives strengthens its technology leadership and environmental solutions portfolio with the acquisition of Fume and Gas Treatment technologies developed by NEATEC

Fives, an international leader in industrial engineering, announces the acquisition of all technologies developed by Neatec, including pot alumina distribution and heat exchangers, allowing the environmental impact of primary aluminium production to be considerably reduced. Those technologies perfectly complement the portfolio of solutions offered by Fives Solios in the reduction sector.

Fives consolidates its technological leadership and know-how in reducing the environmental footprint of aluminium production.

With more than 70 years of experience in the capture and treatment of industrial emissions, Fives Solios has a unique expertise to enable the production of more environmentally friendly aluminium. The integration of Neatec’s technologies into Fives’ portfolio confirms Fives Group’s ambition to be the driving force behind a more virtuous, efficient and green industry.

Created in 2013, Neatec’s expertise is based on the recognized skills of Geir Wedde and Raymond Johansen, former directors of Alstom Norway, who have been working with the world’s largest aluminium producers:

• Mr Geir Wedde is a recognized, leading specialist, holder of several patents in the field of emissions treatment, who has more than 45 years of experience in aluminum,
• Mr. Raymond Johansen, with over 25 years of experience, manages projects from A to Z and ensures their smooth execution.

In addition to a deep expertise in Gas and Fume Treatment, Neatec brings complementary technologies to the Fives Solios’ portfolio:

• Systems for alumina distribution on pots, considered essential to ensure efficient, stable and high-quality aluminium production, will allow Fives Solios to expand its offer in the reduction sector.
• Heat Exchanger technology for Gas Treatment Centers and Fume Treatment Centers perfectly complements the portfolio of Fives Solios, already the market leader in these sectors
• The Turbo Bed reactor patented solution enhances the adsorption process by using alumina upstream of filters, ensuring high efficiency and durability in Gas Treatment Centers, complementing the existing modernization solutions offered by Fives Solios

Heat recovery, improved process energy efficiency and lowest emissions, thanks to these technologies complementary to the existing offer of Fives Solios, will contribute to producing aluminium with lower carbon impact. Aluminium producers will benefit from in-depth expertise and cutting-edge technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.

 “With the combination of the cutting-edge technologies developed by NEATEC and the state-of-the art solutions provided by Fives Solios for Gas and Fume treatment as well as for alumina distribution, Fives is ready to support all aluminum producers to improve their environmental efficiency”. Sebastien Gauguier, CEO of Fives Aluminium Division

International development opportunities and conquest of new markets

This acquisition of technologies will also enable the Aluminium division of Fives, already present in many countries via its service subsidiaries in South Africa, Australia, Canada, India and the Middle East, to expand its local services offering to Norway to effectively meet the needs of customers already using Neatec’s technologies.

The heat exchanger technology, in addition to its application in aluminium Gas and Fume Treatment Centres, could also be used in other industrial sectors such as lime, steel and cement. This versatility demonstrates the efficiency and flexibility of the solutions offered by Fives.