Week in Review: Merger and expansions keep global downstream aluminium sector buzzing this week

The week gone by has marked a few developments in the global aluminium trading sector. Merger and acquisition has played key role in the week’s business development.  Expansion in the casting, extrusion and rolling segment indicates the aluminium demand growth in the automotive and construction sector.  Chinese aluminium export continues to create tension in the west, while the domestic companies in the downstream sector keep their eyes on further capacity expansion. Below are a few headlines that made news in the week from September 2-6. 

U.S. Commerce Department defers anti-dumping decision on China aluminium foil

In a statement published on Thursday, Sept 5  the U.S. Commerce Department said that it would defer the preliminary determination in an anti-dumping duty investigation into China aluminum foil imports by the US. The delay according to the department, would allow it "to fully analyse information pertaining to China's status as a non-market economy (NME) country."

GF Linamar inaugurates its aluminium die- casting facility in US

GF Linamar, a joint venture between GF Automotive and diversified manufacturing expert Linamar Corporation, inaugurated its new high-pressure die-casting facility focuses on lightweight solutions in aluminium and magnesium for the automotive industry.

Chongqing launches high-precision aluminium alloy RB production

Recently, Chongqing Hengya Industrial Co., ltd. has started manufacturing and transport of aluminium RB. It is reported that the company entered Beidu Aluminium Industrial Park in 2015 and invested to build production project of high-precision Aluminium alloy RB, vehicle-used AC flat tube, and vehicle parts.

Norsk Hydro – Acquisition of Sapa completed

Norsk Hydro’s acquisition of Orkla’s 50% ownership in Sapa was completed today, October 2, giving Hydro full ownership in the global leader in extruded aluminium solutions and making Hydro a leading force in the global aluminium industry.

The combination makes Hydro the only global company in the aluminium industry that is fully integrated across the value chain and markets

Reliance Steel & Aluminum fully acquires Ferguson Perforating Company

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. announced through a press release that effective October 2, 2017; it acquired all of the common stock of Ferguson Perforating Company through its wholly-owned subsidiary Diamond Manufacturing Company. The merger will add Ferguson’s skills to their existing perforator company, Diamond Manufacturing and the company expects to leverage upon the potential opportunities that may arise out of the acquisition. 

China’s aluminium semis export drops in August, but aluminium alloy export up 14% MoM

Aluminium semi-finished product export by China was hit by reduced output in August 2017 following widespread environmental checks which mainly hit the upstream sector; but ripple effects were felt across the entire aluminium value chain. The export volume totalled 360,000 tonnes in August, down 3.2 per cent from the previous month. The cumulative export volume during January-August increased 5.2 per cent to reach 2.8 million tonnes, revealed data published by the General Administration of Customs on September 26.

Superior Extrusion announces $10.5 million expansion at K.I. Sawyer

The two-decade-old Upper Peninsula-based Superior Extrusion Inc. has announced a $10.5 million expansion at K.I. Sawyer — a move that is expected to create about 30 jobs by 2020. According to the chairman of the board of directors of Superior Extrusion Inc. George LaBlonde III, the company needs to expand for future growth.

Zhongwang Aluminum awards $4.4 million contract to Ampco-Pittsburgh for supply of rolls

Ampco-Pittsburgh Corporation announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Union Electric Steel Corporation, has won $4.4 million contract from Zhongwang High Precision Aluminum Industry, a Chinese manufacturer of high-end aluminium flat-rolled products, for the delivery of rolls for new hot rolling mill installation. The shipments are likely to start in the first quarter of 2018.