New Alumotion JV brings robotised anode assembly to Canadian aluminium smelters

Storvik and Charl-Pol have launched Alumotion to bring proven robotic solutions, local engineering and lifecycle support closer to Canada's aluminium smelters.

Canadian aluminium smelters are set to gain a new source of automation expertise as Storvik and Canadian technology company Charl-Pol launch Alumotion, a joint venture focused on robotised solutions for aluminium production.

The venture will initially concentrate on robotised anode assembly solutions, combining Storvik's automation expertise with Charl-Pol's established Canadian engineering and industrial capabilities. The aim is to give smelters access to proven technology while keeping engineering, manufacturing, project execution and long-term service closer to their operations.

For aluminium producers, the offering is positioned around three operational priorities: safety, productivity and reliability. Alumotion will support projects from engineering and development through manufacturing, installation and commissioning, followed by operation, maintenance and continuous improvement.

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Automation moves closer to the smelter

Storvik brings experience in developing, integrating and operating automated systems for the aluminium industry, including robotics, automated handling, vision systems and condition monitoring.

Charl-Pol, meanwhile, contributes its Canadian industrial footprint and expertise in project management, metallurgy, welding, manufacturing, equipment repair and maintenance.

The two companies have already worked closely for around two years, developing projects and identifying opportunities in the Canadian market. Alumotion formalises that cooperation into a dedicated organisation serving aluminium producers locally.

“Alumotion is a natural next step in the relationship we have built with Charl-Pols,” said Storvik CEO Stein Kjartan Vik. “By combining our capabilities, we can bring proven automation solutions closer to Canadian smelters and support them locally throughout the lifetime of the equipment”, he added. 

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From engineering to long-term support

Rather than focusing only on equipment delivery, Alumotion is designed to cover the full lifecycle of robotised systems.

Its scope spans engineering and project development, manufacturing, installation and commissioning, operation and maintenance, as well as ongoing improvements to the equipment.

That local presence could give Canadian smelters a more direct route to technical support while allowing the joint venture to combine international automation know-how with experience of Canada's industrial environment.

Charl-Pol General Manager Gabriel Tremblay said Canadian aluminium producers are continuously looking for ways to improve safety, productivity and reliability.

“Alumotion brings these strengths together in Canada, close to the customers and operations we want to support,” he said.

The launch comes as automation continues to play a growing role in aluminium production, where smelters are seeking more reliable and controlled industrial processes. For Alumotion, the initial focus on robotised anode assembly provides a targeted entry point into that market, with the joint venture combining robotics and industrial execution capabilities under a local Canadian structure.

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