Novelis Expands Presence in Asia with Opening of Shanghai Office, Appoints Managing Director, Novelis China

Novelis, the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum, today announced the opening of a new office in the Shanghai World Financial Center to expand the company’s presence in Asia. To lead the company’s business development in China, Novelis has appointed James Liu as Managing Director, Novelis China, and Director, Sales and Marketing, Automotive Asia.

Liu will lead Novelis’ expansion plans in China in alignment with the company’s long term growth strategy for Asia. In his sales and marketing role, Liu will drive the execution of major automotive growth opportunities for Novelis in China and Korea.

“Aluminum has been growing at a much faster pace than other comparable materials,” said Philip Martens, President and CEO of Novelis.”As global urbanization and income continues to accelerate in Asia, and particularly in China, the flat rolled aluminum market is expected to double in size there by 2020. The opening of our Shanghai office is an important step for Novelis to further capitalize on this significant opportunity. With an expansion underway in Korea, combined with our move into China, we can better serve rapidly growing consumer demand in Asia for high-margin can, automotive and specialty products.”

The company is currently investing approximately $400 million to expand its aluminum rolling and recycling operations in South Korea in response to the growing demand for its products in Asia and the Middle East.The rolling expansion, which will include investments in both hot rolling and cold rolling operations, will increase Novelis’ aluminum sheet capacity in Asia to one million metric tons annually.