“Nowadays, not only does the equipment have to do its tasks, but it also needs to communicate with the plant and eventually make decisions with more AI.” Éloïse Harvey, CEO at EPIQ Machinery

AlCircle:  Please share EPIQ Machinery's innovative equipment solutions, which are on trend to improve an aluminium smelter's handling and process flow.

Éloïse Harvey: Under the MECFOR brand, we have the Molten Metal Transfer by Pressurization (MMTP) that gains in popularity every year. Our customers see a true benefit in their output and the quality of metal produced. Also, the brand will soon deliver new casthouse dedicated equipment: Mecfor Furnace Vehicle (MFV10). With its unique design, the SmartConnect feature and MECFORLink, this equipment is an excellent addition to our Smart Casthouse Solutions. The vehicle will show great manoeuvrability with a high-loading capacity. The operator cab can be lifted to ensure good vision for the operator.

As for AD, the brand is increasing the level of automation and robotization in its handling systems. As more smelters and casthouses look to automate and reduce the need for operator-driven equipment, this places the AD brand in a niche area. They have the ability to integrate highly repeatable material handling equipment with the added benefit of auto-guided vehicles (AGVs) to move the product to a warehouse or storage pad.

Finally, we are revitalizing the BROCHOT line of products and are looking into embedding 4.0 technologies. This brand has been around in the aluminium industry for more than a century; it has proven its level of performance by bringing aluminium producers turnkey integrated solutions.

AlCircle: Why does EPIQ Machinery consider itself a world-class equipment designer? What is your view on exploring innovative technologies to support the global aluminium industry?

Éloïse Harvey: EPIQ Machinery finished its first year with great results. This shows us that the merger happened at the right time and was well-received within our industry. We can now position ourselves more advantageous for large turnkey projects. Grounded in our clients’ operational concerns, we offer realistic and sensible solutions.

The EPIQ Machinery team has been very supportive of integrating innovative technologies. In 2016, MECFOR conducted a market study on the electrification of our anode and crucible hauliers. Today, we are investing in R&D and making it happen. Some of our craziest ideas have seen the light over the course of the years: descaling arms, MMTP, AGV, Smart Casthouse, and more. Our passion for challenges brings us even to define some industry practices; we’re proud to be a partner in crime of these changes.

AlCircle: What are your plans for 2023 concerning investment in innovation and technology advancement for more efficiency in the aluminium business?

Éloïse Harvey: Simple; continue investing as we do every year in our R & D departments and engineering teams. Did you know that we designed and manufactured new pieces of equipment each year across all our family brands? If you make the count, there is no wonder why EPIQ Machinery now has one of the most extended solutions offered in the industry.

AlCircle: Please detail more about EPIQ AD. Why do you think it is one of a kind in the industry?

Éloïse Harvey: Our ability to utilize our manufacturing facility in India for fabrication has allowed us to grow by 30% our revenue in 2022. Having access to our fabrication shop in this area of the world where the workforce is not an issue has shown to be the key to the AD line of products. We provide smart machines and complete lines (i.e. automated batch homogenizing and sawing billet line) developed by our experts in Canada and fabricated under strict quality insurance in India prior to being sent back to our Quebec-based final assembly floor for FAT and delivery to our clients around the world.

AlCircle: What challenges do you face while developing new technology for the industrial sector? What are the primary factors you focus on to overcome those challenges?

Éloïse Harvey: Challenges are numerous: the main one would be finding a customer welling to let us test in a real operation environment or even share the risk of developing new high-tech equipment. Nowadays, not only does the equipment have to do its tasks, but it also needs to communicate with the plant and eventually make decisions with more AI.

Alcircle: Why do you say EPIQ Machinery can now create an Aluminum Hub of Excellence?

Éloïse Harvey: With the increased synergies within EPIQ Machinery brands, the company is becoming an unavoidable equipment solution provider and integrator. We foster cooperation with other aluminium equipment designers and manufacturers as well as the end user in a way to bring added value to the industry.