“The aluminium industry in the Americas has been facing various challenges in recent years, such as the global oversupply of aluminium, which has led to low prices and reduced profitability for many companies in the industry, along with energy contract uncertainties.” - EPIQ Machinery

AL Circle: How prompt is the American market in incorporating the latest technologies in the domestic aluminium industry? What is the current market size of aluminium technologies in the Americas?

EPIQ: Incorporating the latest technologies to reduce energy consumption and achieve carbon neutrality is a crucial step towards sustainability for primary aluminium producers. Canada has a strong focus on environmental initiatives, and many companies in the country are actively working towards these goals. By adopting innovative technologies, such as advanced process control systems, energy-efficient equipment, and renewable energy sources, primary aluminium producers can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. These technologies can help optimize production processes, minimize waste, and improve energy efficiency. Additionally, primary and secondary aluminium producers can also explore other sustainable practices, such as recycling aluminium scrap and implementing circular economy principles. These initiatives can further contribute to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

It's interesting to note the shift in the secondary aluminium industry in the USA over the past 15 years. The increased demand for aluminium and the profitability of the market has likely incentivized producers to prioritize safety and embrace new technologies in their operations. This willingness to improve safety and adopt new technologies is a positive development for the industry.

AL Circle: How much demand do you see for your equipment in the Americas? Between the primary and downstream aluminium industries, who drives the demand?

EPIQ: The American market is typically strong across the spectrum of aluminium production. The main driver of the growth will be in secondary production, where more recycling must occur to eliminate waste and fill landfills. With greater recycling and the need to offset carbon outputs, the secondary producers will drive growth in the American market.

AL Circle: Between AD, Mecfor, and Brochot, which has the highest consumption in the Americas? Is there any equipment you have specially designed for the aluminium plants in the Americas?

EPIQ: We actually have a good balance of all our brands in all sectors of aluminium-producing plants. In addition, there are increasing requests for autoguided vehicles (AGVs) and automated robots (AMRs) under the EPIQ DTA brand.

As a global solutions provider, EPIQ offers innovative equipment to improve an aluminium plant's handling and process flow. Despite the fact that we are aiming for more standardization for some types of equipment to manage and to keep the costs as low as possible, the reality is that each solution is crafted to our client's needs. They need it, and we build it.

AL Circle: What is your view on the current state of the aluminium industry in the Americas? Do you foresee a robust investment in technologies by them?

EPIQ: The aluminium industry in the Americas has been facing various challenges in recent years. One of the main challenges is the global oversupply of aluminium, which has led to low prices and reduced profitability for many companies in the industry. Also, energy contracts have shed some uncertainties.

There are opportunities for growth and investment in the aluminium industry. The demand for aluminium continues to increase in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging.

To remain competitive and meet the growing demand, aluminium companies in the Americas are likely to invest in technologies that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. These technologies may include advanced smelting processes, recycling technologies, and digital solutions for optimizing operations and supply chains.

Overall, while the aluminium industry in the Americas faces challenges, there is potential for robust investment in technologies to drive growth, improve efficiency, and meet the increasing demand for aluminium in various sectors.

AL Circle: Who is your biggest competitor in the Americas, if there is any?

EPIQ: Nowadays, competition is worldwide, not specific to a local market.

AL Circle: Do you plan to expand your business in the Americas?

EPIQ: EPIQ Machinery is crossing a major growth wave. We will be open to expanding our business wherever opportunities lead us. Of course, it might be easy to draw conclusions about a natural fit with the USA since we’re close neighbours. EPIQ’s management team is open and alert to analyze any good opportunity. We already have offices in France, Bahrain and India… 2024 could be an excellent time to look closely at the USA.

AL Circle: How has digitalization reshaped the aluminium equipment industry globally, mainly in the Americas?

EPIQ: Digitalization has indeed reshaped the aluminium equipment industry globally. Adopting digital technologies has brought significant changes and improvements to various aspects of the industry, including manufacturing, supply chain management, sales, and customer service.

As an equipment OEM manufacturer, we are keener on the impacts of the industry automation and optimization of manufacturing processes. Advanced technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have improved efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in producing aluminium equipment.

Overall, IoT and Industry 4.0 have brought numerous benefits. With new embarked technologies, EPIQ dedicated aluminium equipment solutions aim to increase efficiency, improve customer experience, and favour best operating practices.