AL Circle Analysis: Import rise meets demand growth on aluminium extrusion chessboard
Aluminium’s downstream trade network is getting more fragmented as import dependence, changing end-use demand and trade-policy interventions reshape regional markets. From North America and Europe to Asia-Pacific, the aluminium industry is navigating a market where access to supply, competitive...
US industrial policy needs to be systematic, not just ad hoc – Part 2
Our current approach can win economic skirmishes, but not the geopolitical conflict. – Part 2 Impact #5 of ad hoc industrial policy: Failing to use all required tools Industrial policy is often caricatured as just tariffs and subsidies. Mis-framed debates that evaluate the merits of tariffs in...
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Primary aluminum production in North America goes up in Jan 2013
The Aluminum Association, in cooperation with the Aluminum Association of Canada, reported primary aluminum production in North America (U.S. and Canada) was at an annual rate of 5,012,062 tonnes during January 2013, increasing 5,241 tpy (0.1%) over the December 2012 rate of 5,006,821 tonnes....
Alcoa nearer to ending labour dispute as union recommends accord
Alcoa Inc.the largest U.S. aluminum maker, came closer to resolving a labor dispute after a union, representing workers at its ABI smelter in Quebec, said it will recommend that members back a new agreement on contracts. Negotiators for Alcoa and the United Steelworkers union accepted a report by a...
Novelis reports net income of $8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013
Atlanta, Georgia-based Novelis Inc, a world-leading producer of rolled aluminum products, has reported net income attributable to its common shareholder of $3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Excluding tax-effected restructuring in both periods, net income for the period was $8...
Crystal Extrusion Systems Mark 10th Anniversary
Crystal Extrusion Systems in Union ushered in 2013 as its 10th anniversary in operation. The Missouri-based aluminum extrusion and finishing firm will mark the corporate milestone with several customer and employee celebratory events during the year. Crystal Extrusion Systems provides aluminum...
US aluminum producer Novelis sees solid demand despite Q3 headwinds
US aluminum producer Novelis faced a challenging fiscal third quarter, with net sales down 6% from the year-ago period, but saw improved demand compared with last year and was optimistic about solid global demand moving forward, President and CEO Phil Martens said Tuesday. In a third-quarter...
Bonnell Aluminum Commits to Invest on Automotive aluminium industry
Bonnell Aluminum, a subsidiary of Tredegar Corporation (TG), announced that it will be investing $17 million over the next 12 months to fund an expansion project that will include the purchase of a new state-of-the-art aluminum extrusion line dedicated to serve the growing demand from automotive...
Oberdorfer Aluminum Castings plant to close; 86 workers to lose their jobs
The State Labor Department announced Monday that the Oberdorfer Aluminum Castings plant in Syracuse will close. All 86 of the plant’s employees will lose their job due to the closure. The plant is scheduled to close on May 3. The reason for the closure, according to the Labor Department is economic...
Kentucky to allow Century and Rio to buy power off the wholesale market to save smelters
In a bid to save Kentucky's two large aluminum smelters from closing, newly filed bipartisan legislation in the Kentucky General Assembly would allow Century Aluminum and Rio Tinto Alcan to buy power off the wholesale market if they cannot resolve a dispute over electricity rates with current...
SAF-West ready to supply the architectural market with 20’ formed sheet metal parts
With the recent installation of a new 175 ton AccurPress 240” precision press brake, SAF-West can now supply the architectural market with 20’ formed sheet metal parts. Close on the heels of opening their new California anodizing line, the addition of a large press brake complements existing...
North America ships 4.9 percent less primary aluminum in the Q4 of 2012
Shipments of primary aluminum by North American producers totaled 1,221 thousand metric tonnes (kmt) in the fourth quarter of 2012, off 4.9 percent from the fourth quarter 2011 total of 1,284 kmt. Shipments of primary billet were up 5.4 percent year-over-year while shipments of foundry ingot...
RUSAL sees global aluminium demand to grow 6 pct in 2013
Russia's United Company RUSAL Plc, the world's top aluminium producer, said on Friday it expects 2013 global aluminium demand will rise 6 percent, fuelled by investment in large-scale infrastructure projects in China. RUSAL's positive tone comes after a tough year for aluminium produers due to the...
Rio Tinto Alcan may shutter Sebree aluminum plant
Rio Tinto Alcan said on Thursday the company is exploring several options for its Sebree aluminum plant, including a possible closure following a proposed rate hike by the Big Rivers electricity cooperative in Henderson, Kentucky. "We are evaluating all options for the future," a Rio Tinto...
Reliance Steel & Aluminium to acquire Metals USA Holdings Corp
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. and Metals USA Holdings Corp. today announced a definitive merger agreement whereby Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. will acquire all outstanding shares of Metals USA Holdings Corp. for $20.65 per share in cash, representing an enterprise value of approximately $1.2...
Noranda Aluminum Shares Down 1.2%
Noranda Aluminum, a company whose shares are moving quickly, is trading 1.2% lower to $5.81. The S&P is currently trading fractionally lower to 1,509 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is trading 0.2% lower to 13,945. In the past 52 weeks, shares of Noranda Aluminum have traded between a low of...
John Martin Named President of Alcoa Global Primary Products
Alcoa announced today that John Martin, 48, has been named President of Alcoa Global Primary Products – United States (GPP-US). In this role, Mr. Martin oversees Global Primary Products locations in the United States including six operating smelters, an alumina refinery and a spent potlining...
Use of aluminum over steel in automotive sector brings respite to the aluminum producers
Carmakers are using record amounts of aluminum to replace heavier steel, providing relief to producers of the metal confronting excess supplies and depressed prices. Aluminum content in vehicles is rising about 5 percent a year and growth will accelerate in the next decade as drivers seek improved...
Century appoints new executive vice president
Jesse Gary has been appointed executive vice president, general counsel and secretary of the US-based Century Aluminium. Gary first joined the company in 2010 as associate general counsel and before that worked at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, the law firm. He takes over from William Leatherberry...
Century Aluminum Company Appoints General Counsel, Secretary
Aluminum manufacturer Century Aluminum Company has appointed Jesse Gary as executive vice president, general counsel and secretary. Gary joined the company in 2010 as associate general counsel. Prior to joining Century, Gary worked at law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. Gary assumes the...
