AlCircle: Latest downstream products news update

Bridgnorth Aluminium secures five-year battery foil supply deal with Lotte Aluminium Materials USA

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 16:35:00 +0530

Bridgnorth Aluminium (BAL), the UK’s last remaining aluminium rolling mill, has strengthened its position in the growing battery materials market after signing a five-year supply agreement with Lotte Aluminium Materials USA.

The agreement was signed at Lotte’s facility in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and will see BAL supply battery-grade aluminium for use in battery foil production. The material will support the manufacture of next-generation batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS) across North America.

The deal follows joint development work, qualification programmes and product testing aimed at meeting the requirements of the rapidly expanding battery sector.

Bridgnorth Aluminium employs 368 people at its production facility in Shropshire and has increasingly focused on supplying high-value aluminium products to emerging markets linked to electrification.

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Adrian Musgrave, Head of Sales at Bridgnorth Aluminium, described the agreement as an important step in the company’s diversification strategy and its expansion into battery materials.

According to Musgrave, “Material manufactured here in Bridgnorth will be used by Lotte Aluminium Materials for the next five years. It will go into production of next generation batteries that will end up in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.” He noted that battery foil is a critical component in battery performance and that reliable supplies of high-quality aluminium are becoming increasingly important for manufacturers serving both the EV and energy storage sectors.

The agreement comes during a period of growth for the Shropshire-based aluminium producer. Over the last eighteen months, the company has returned to 24-hour, seven-day production and expanded its workforce to 368 employees.

Supported by the Viohalco Group, Bridgnorth Aluminium has strengthened its order book across a range of sectors, including printing, packaging, construction, energy and electrification.

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The company has also invested more than GBP 2 million (USD 2.6 million) in new manufacturing equipment, including upgrades to its cast house operations and a dedicated slitting line designed to improve efficiency and capability.

Musgrave said the investments complement the company’s experience in developing specialised aluminium products and provide a stronger platform for growth in both domestic and international markets.

He added, “We’re leveraging collaborative agreements where we get involved in the early stages of a project. This means we can influence specification and ensure the high-grade material we supply delivers the most effective performance possible.”

The long-term agreement with Lotte Aluminium Materials USA reflects the growing demand for battery-grade aluminium as investments in electric vehicles and energy storage continue to expand. Through the partnership, both companies aim to support the development of a more secure and reliable battery supply chain for the North American market.

US court upholds Commerce decision on Turkish aluminium sheet exporter

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 10:04:00 +0530

The US Court of International Trade has ruled in favour of the Commerce Department in a dispute involving Turkish aluminium sheet producer Assan, confirming that the company was not eligible for a duty drawback adjustment under an anti-dumping order.

The case relates to imports of common alloy aluminium sheet from Turkey and Commerce's review of whether Assan qualified for a reduction in its dumping margin through the duty drawback programme.

A duty drawback allows companies to recover duties paid on imported materials that are later exported or used in exported products.

According to the court, Assan submitted documents intended to support its eligibility claim after the deadline set by Commerce. As a result, the agency declined to include the information in its review.

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Judge Gary Katzmann agreed with Commerce's position, stating that the documents were submitted too late and did not qualify as a permissible response to information already placed on the record by other parties.

Without the additional documentation, Commerce concluded there was not enough evidence to show that Assan met the requirements for a duty drawback adjustment.

The agency therefore maintained a dumping duty rate of 2.14 per cent for the company.

The ruling supports Commerce's third remand determination in the case and leaves the agency's assessment unchanged.

The decision highlights the importance of meeting procedural deadlines in US trade cases, particularly when companies seek adjustments that could affect anti-dumping duty calculations.

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Egyptalum pursues a USD 100 million dollar denominated loan for its first aluminium foil plant

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:45:00 +0530

Egypt Aluminium Company (Egyptalum) is said to be looking for a USD 100 million loan to help fund the development of Egypt's first aluminium foil plant, which is deemed to play an important part in Egypt's strategy to strengthen its downstream aluminium industry, thereby decreasing the need for imports.

According to a report by a renowned news media, the financing will be arranged through a consortium of Egyptian and Gulf-based banks. The National Bank of Egypt is leading the process and managing the dollar-denominated loan, with the final financing agreement expected to be signed during the fourth quarter of 2026. The report cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter.

The initial step of the project will require about USD 90 million in investment and will produce 25,000 tonnes of aluminium foil each year. Future phases would lead to a cumulative investment in this venture of approximately USD 135 million, although no details are available on the total production rate at completion.

Egyptalum had previously earmarked EGP 1.4 billion (USD 28 million) within its investment budget for the 2025–2026 fiscal year to support the initial phase of the development.

The project comes as Egypt seeks to reduce its dependence on imported aluminium foil. The country currently spends nearly USD 140 million each year on foil imports, according to Kamel El-Wazir, former Minister of Industry and Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development.

The planned foil facility complements Egyptalum’s broader expansion strategy. In May 2026, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Trafigura to expand its Nag Hammadi Aluminium Complex through investments estimated at USD 750 million to USD 900 million.

Egyptalum is North Africa’s largest primary aluminium producer, with an annual production capacity of 320,000 tonnes. Approximately 60 per cent of its exports are shipped to European Union markets.

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Bridgnorth Aluminium electrifies its diversification strategy with major US deal

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:50:00 +0530

The UK’s last remaining aluminium rolling mill is increasing its growing impact in electrification after signing a landmark transatlantic deal with Lotte Aluminium Materials USA.

Bridgnorth Aluminium (BAL), which employs 368 people at its expansive production facility in Shropshire, will deliver battery-grade aluminium to one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced materials for the battery industry.

Signed at the customer’s site in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, the five-year agreement marks the culmination of a technical and commercial journey that has seen both firms work closely together to bring new material to a rapidly emerging market.

Through extensive joint development work, qualification activities, and ongoing partnership, Bridgnorth Aluminium and Lotte have established a strong foundation to support the evolving requirements of the battery supply chain in North America.

Adrian Musgrave, Head of Sales at BAL, commented: “This landmark agreement marks an important milestone in our diversification strategy and will accelerate our growth within the battery materials sector.

“The transition to electrified transportation and energy storage presents one of the most significant industrial opportunities of our generation, and our technical expertise, agility and ‘green’ production methods are at the forefront of this transition.”

He continued: “Material manufactured here in Bridgnorth will be used by Lotte Aluminium Materials for the next five years. It will go into the production of next-generation batteries that will end up in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

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“Battery foil plays a critical role in battery performance, making secure, high-quality supply partnerships like this one increasingly important to manufacturers serving both the ‘EV’ and ‘ESS’ sectors.”

This latest deal represents a successful eighteen months for one of Shropshire’s largest manufacturing employers as it returned to 24/7 production.

Backed by the Viohalco Group, Bridgnorth Aluminium has recovered from a difficult trading environment to deliver a buoyant order book that covers customers in printing, packaging, construction, energy and, more recently, electrification.

New jobs have been created to take the workforce to 368 and more than GBP 2 million has been invested in the latest cast house technology and a dedicated slitting line to increase efficiency and capability.

Adrian went on to add: “These latest upgrades have complemented our proven technical expertise in developing high-quality aluminium materials and this is giving us a strong foundation to target new sectors both at home and overseas.

“We’re leveraging collaborative agreements where we get involved in the early stages of a project. This means we can influence specification and ensure the high-grade material we supply delivers the most effective performance possible.

“This is reflected in the confidence that Lotte has placed in BAL and we look forward to exploring how the partnership can support the future growth of both organisations.”

Note: This article has been issued by Bridgnorth Aluminium and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

BALCO aluminium wire rods play a key role in India's power infrastructure

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 05:30:00 +0530

Although BALCO, owned by Vedanta, doesn’t get a lot of attention for its aluminium wire rods, they are an important part of the supply chain for power transmission and distribution projects across India.

BALCO manufactures the wire rods at its Korba plant in Chhattisgarh and sells them to cable and conductor manufacturers who use the rods to make products used in power lines, electrical infrastructure and industrial applications.

The rods are made from electrical grade aluminium and engineered to ensure high conductivity and consistent quality. Usually they are in large coils, which are then drawn out into thinner wires for various uses.

The products are available in electrical conductor grades and speciality alloys for applications ranging from building cables to high-voltage transmission lines, the company said.

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As India grows its power grid and renewable energy capacity, the demand for conductors and cables keeps rising. Many of these projects, including substations, transmission networks and solar installations, need aluminium wire rods as a key raw material.

BALCO’s integrated production setup is one of its advantages, enabling the company to control the process from alumina and aluminium production to finished wire rods. This helps to maintain quality and a steady supply to the customer.

For cable makers, especially for large infrastructure projects, consistent conductivity, uniform coil quality and reliable deliveries are often key purchasing considerations.

But as with many aluminium products, the wire rod business is sensitive to fluctuations in metal prices, energy costs and market demand. The sector continues to be plagued by competition from domestic and international suppliers.

Aluminium wire rods remain an important product in Vedanta's aluminium portfolio and continue to support a wide range of power and infrastructure applications.

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Who led the aluminium FRP industry in 2025? A look at the top global players

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 11:35:00 +0530

The 2025 calendar maps the aluminium flat-rolled products (FRP) industry at the intersection of two major trends, i.e., the accelerating transition toward circular manufacturing and the rapid growth of sectors requiring advanced aluminium FRP solutions.

Leading this transformation are a select group of companies that combine large-scale rolling and foil production capabilities with strong sustainability credentials, advanced recycling infrastructure and extensive global customer networks. These companies continue to shape the competitive landscape while strengthening the industry's focus on innovation, circularity and low-carbon solutions.

Explore the accurate insights and forecasts for the aluminium flat rolled products (FRP) market in Aluminium Flat Rolled Products: Insights & Forecast to 2032

Hindalco Industries Limited (India) and Novelis (The US)

Hindalco Industries Limited is one of India's largest flat-rolled aluminium producers, supplying foil stock, packaging materials, automotive products, battery foil, cable wrap stock, fin stock and industrial rolled products. Supported by its integrated aluminium value chain and ownership of Novelis, the company remains a major global force in downstream aluminium. Its individual production capacity totals around 170,000 tonnes.

Hindalco’s financial performance for the 2025 calendar year stood at:

Consolidated Revenue – INR 2,660.9 billion (USD 28.03 billion)
Consolidated EBITDA – INR 375.9 billion (USD 3.96 billion)
Aluminium Upstream EBITDA – INR 180 billion (USD 189.59 million)

Beyond financial performance, Hindalco continued strengthening its sustainability credentials. It secured the Meenakshi Coal Mines to enhance long-term resource security, became the first Indian company to receive the Copper Mark-JDDS Accreditation for responsible copper production and achieved a Top 1 per cent ranking in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, recording the highest ESG score in the global aluminium sector.

Novelis, a wholly owned Hindalco Industries Limited subsidiary, is Aditya Birla Group’s flagship metals company. It is one of the world’s best-known flat-rolled products players and is especially strong in beverage can sheet, automotive sheet, and recycling-backed low-carbon FRP.

Being the world’s largest aluminium recycler, the company aims to be the lowest-emissions FRP provider with an annual capacity of over 4 million tonnes, reinforcing its positioning in premium, sustainability-led aluminium applications.

FY2026 was a challenging financial year for Novelis:

Net income – USD 15 million, down 98 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 683 million in FY2025.
Adjusted net income – USD 476 million, down 38 per cent Y-o-Y.
Adjusted EBITDA – USD 1.645 billion, down 9 per cent Y-o-Y.
FRP shipments – 3.56 million tonnes, down 5 per cent Y-o-Y.

The two fires at the Oswego plant reduced shipments by about 145,000 tonnes; lowered Adjusted EBITDA by about USD 104 million; generated USD 925 million in pre-tax losses.

Meanwhile, the tariff impact had a negative effect of an estimated USD 143 million during FY2026.

Despite these setbacks, Novelis has restarted the Oswego hot mill and continues commissioning its Bay Minette rolling and recycling complex, which is expected to strengthen its position in recycled aluminium and FRP markets in the coming years.

Combining the production capacities of both of the companies, they produce approximately over 4.17 million tonnes of aluminium FRP per year.

Henan Mingtai Aluminium (China)

Henan Mingtai Aluminium is one of China's largest producers of aluminium sheet, strip and foil products. The company serves a wide range of markets, including packaging, transportation, electronics and industrial applications, while also expanding its use of recycled aluminium.

At present, the company has an annual production capacity of 1.4 million tons of aluminium sheet, strip and foil products and 400 high-speed rail EMU car bodies.

Henan Mingtai reported a positive financial result for 2025:

Revenue – CNY 35.14 billion (USD 5.2 billion) in FY2025, up 8.7 per cent from CNY 32.32 billion (USD 4.78 billion) in FY2024.
Net profit attributable to shareholders – CNY 1.96 billion (USD 290 million), up 12.1 per cent from CNY 1.75 billion (USD 258.97 million).
Adjusted (non-recurring) net profit – CNY 1.7 billion (USD 251.57 million), rising 17.5 per cent from CNY 1.45 billion (USD 214.58 million).

Earnings per share improved to CNY 1.55 (USD 0.23) and return on equity edged up to 10.81 per cent. One of the strongest indicators was operating cash flow per share, which more than doubled to CNY 1.16 (USD 0.17) from CNY 0.53 (USD 0.08).

The company's growing emphasis on recycled aluminium utilisation aligns with China's broader push toward resource efficiency and lower-carbon aluminium production.

Explore the position of aluminium at the intersection of sustainability and strategy in Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment

UACJ Corporation (Japan)

UACJ is Japan's largest aluminium rolling company and a major supplier of sheet, foil and precision-rolled products for packaging, automotive, electronics and heat exchanger applications. It has a flat-rolled production capacity of 1.4 million tonnes.

For FY2026, UACJ achieved its strongest performance on record, surpassing JPY 1 trillion (USD 6.22 billion) in revenue for the first time. The company benefited from robust can stock demand, expanding recycling operations in the US, increased exports from Japan and successful price revisions.

Revenue – JPY 1.18 trillion (USD 7.36 billion), up 18.3 per cent Y-o-Y from JPY 998.8 billion (USD 6.23 billion).
Sales volume – 1.32 million tonnes, gaining 4 per cent from 1.27 million tonnes.
Net profit – JPY 38.9 billion (USD 242.6 million), rising 38.9 per cent from JPY 28 billion (USD 174.64 million).
Adjusted EBITDA – JPY 88.3 billion (USD 550.7 million), up 5.1 per cent from JPY 84 billion (USD 523.9 million).

The company also increased its annual dividend by 46.7 per cent, reflecting confidence in its long-term growth outlook. Expansion of recycling operations remains a core component of UACJ's sustainability strategy and downstream growth plans.

Constellium (France)

Constellium is a leading producer of advanced aluminium rolled products for packaging, automotive, aerospace and speciality applications. Its business is firmly positioned within high-value downstream aluminium markets, including foil-related packaging applications. Its FRP production capacity stands around 800,000 tonnes per year.

For 2025, Constellium delivered one of its strongest financial performances in recent years:

Revenue – USD 8.45 billion, up 15.12 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 7.34 billion in FY2024.
Net income – USD 275 million, up 358.3 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 60 million in FY2024.
Adjusted EBITDA – USD 846 million, up 35.8 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 623 million in FY2024.
Diluted EPS – USD 1.92, rising 405.26 per cent Y-o-Y from USD 0.38 in FY2024.

Operating cash flow improved 62.5 per cent to USD 489 million. Free cash flow turned positive at USD 178 million, compared with a negative USD 100 million a year earlier.

The company also improved its adjusted return on invested capital from 5.7 per cent to 9 per cent. Growth was supported by stronger packaging shipments, recovering aerospace demand, improved pricing conditions and better operational execution. Sustainability remains integral to Constellium's strategy, particularly through its focus on recycled aluminium and circular packaging solutions.

Assan Alüminyum Industry and Trade Inc. (Türkiye)

Assan Alüminyum is Türkiye's leading flat-rolled aluminium producer and one of Europe's two largest aluminium foil manufacturers. The company exports to more than 70 countries across four continents and serves a broad range of packaging, industrial and consumer applications.

Its annual installed capacity includes 360,000 tonnes of aluminium coil, sheet and foil products, thereby positioning the company among Europe's largest aluminium FRP producers.

Sustainability has become a key pillar of Assan's long-term strategy. The company was the first flat-rolled aluminium producer in Türkiye to obtain the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard Certification. It has also aligned with the European Aluminium Association's net-zero-by-2050 commitment and is pursuing a comprehensive Decarbonisation Roadmap 2050, which includes increasing secondary aluminium capacity and reducing carbon emissions across its operations.

From integrated aluminium giants such as Hindalco Industries and Novelis to specialised rolling leaders like Assan Alüminyum, Henan Mingtai and UACJ Corporation, these companies continue to shape the competitive landscape. Meanwhile, packaging and value-added aluminium producers like Constellium are strengthening the aluminium FRP industry's focus on innovation, circularity and low-carbon solutions.

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India to boost defence manufacturing with 10,000-tonne aluminium extrusion facility in Nagpur

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 10:39:00 +0530

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate a 10,000-tonne aluminium extrusion press at Yantra India Limited's Ordnance Factory in Ambajhari, Nagpur, on Friday.

The proposed facility is expected to become an important resource for India's defence manufacturing sector. The extrusion press will enhance the country's ability to produce large, high-strength and precision aluminium alloy extrusions required for defence and aerospace applications.

Ministry of Defence said the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, Secretary Sanjeev Kumar, alongside other officials of the Department of Defence Production and YIL, will be present at the ceremony.

India’s defence production touched a record INR 1.78 trillion (USD 18.85 billion) in FY 2025-26, according to the Ministry of Defence. The figure represents a 15.6 per cent increase over the previous year’s production of INR 1.54 trillion (USD 16.3 billion). It also marks a 110 per cent rise compared with FY 2020-21, when defence production stood at INR 846 billion (about USD 9 billion). Since FY 2013-14, indigenous defence production has nearly quadrupled from INR 438 billion (USD 4.6 billion).

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The project will strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and support the production of critical aluminium components within the country, said the Defence Ministry. It is also expected to reduce reliance on imports of specialised aluminium extruded products used in strategic sectors.

The initiative is aligned with the Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme, which aims to expand indigenous manufacturing and build self-reliance in key defence and industrial technologies.

“This upward trajectory is a clear indicator of the country’s expanding defence industrial base,” said the Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh.

Norican enters its next phase of growth as Thomas Körmendi takes over as CEO

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:30:00 +0530

Thomas Körmendi has officially taken over as CEO of Norican, the Denmark-headquartered global industrial equipment group, having served as chairman of the board since January 2025. Thomas succeeds Anders Wilhjelm, who has led the business since 2019. Körmendi steps into the executive leadership role to build on a transformation for growth already underway.

Norican is home to five technology brands DISA (moulding and foundry technology), Monitiser (IIoT), SIMPSON (industrial mixing), StrikoWestofen (light metal furnace technology) and Wheelabrator (surface preparation) that underpin key industrial processes across moulding, melting, mixing and surface preparation, supporting manufacturers of metallic parts across industries including automotive, foundry, aerospace and metal fabrication.

Through its IIoT brand Monitiser, Norican is accelerating the adoption of connected, data-driven production – bringing real-time monitoring, analytics and AI optimisation opportunities to industrial processes that have historically been slower to digitise.

During Wilhjelm’s tenure, the business has undergone a deep transformation, building the foundations for a more agile, digitally connected engineering and manufacturing organisation, with innovation and sustainability at its core. Under Körmendi’s leadership, Norican will build on these foundations, with an ambition to expand across China, India, North America and Europe - both in established sectors and in new applications where metal production is evolving rapidly.

Körmendi joins Norican after eight years as CEO of Norway-based packaging giant Elopak, where he led the international growth expansion as well as publicly listing the company. He resigned from that role to relocate back to his native Denmark.

Thomas Körmendi, CEO of Norican, comments: “Metal is a material for the future: inherently recyclable, highly durable and essential to everything from electric vehicles to wind turbines. At Norican, we’re reimagining the industries that make things from metal, helping them become more sustainable, more efficient, and more connected.

“In my first months, I’ll focus on deeply understanding the business and working closely with colleagues across our sites and brands. Together with our customers, we will accelerate innovation, expand in key markets, and strengthen long-term partnerships – so manufacturers can move faster, adapt with confidence, and build modern industrial workplaces that inspire a new generation. I’m proud to lead our global team into an ambitious next chapter.”

Körmendi will be based at the Norican HQ in Taastrup near Copenhagen.

Note: This article has been issued by intelligent conversation and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

Conglin Aluminum completes supply of key aluminium components for CRRC rail project

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:56:00 +0530

Conglin Aluminum Technology has completed the supply of aluminium carbody profiles and precision-machined components for a rail transit project involving CRRC Qingdao Sifang, one of China's largest train manufacturers.

The supplied aluminium products will be used in several parts of the train body, including roof structures, sidewalls, floor sections, side beams and components linked to power collection systems.

According to the company, the materials are designed to support the lightweight construction and structural requirements of modern rail vehicles, including metro, suburban and intercity trains.

The project adds to Conglin Aluminum's long-standing relationship with CRRC, which has used the company's aluminium products in a range of railway applications over the years.

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Conglin said its manufacturing network, which includes aluminium extrusion lines, welding facilities and CNC machining centres, helped support the production of the components required for the project.

Beyond the domestic market, the company has also supplied aluminium products for rail transit projects in countries including Vietnam, Spain and Singapore.

Demand for lightweight aluminium materials has continued to grow in the rail sector as operators seek to improve energy efficiency and reduce vehicle weight without compromising strength or safety.

Conglin said it plans to continue developing aluminium solutions for rail transportation as high-speed rail and urban transit networks expand in China and other markets.

Explore our e-magazine ALuminium LeaderSpeak 2026 for the latest industry insights and trends.

Hydro to shut two US aluminium extrusion plants in 2027

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:48:00 +0530

Hydro has announced plans to close its aluminium extrusion plants in City of Industry, California, and Delhi, Louisiana, during 2027.

The company said operations at the California facility will end on January 1, 2027, although some activities are expected to continue through the first quarter. The Louisiana plant will continue operating until April 1, 2027, followed by a gradual shutdown through the third quarter of the year.

According to Hydro, both facilities have been operating below capacity and would require significant investment to continue meeting operational requirements.

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The company said the closures are part of a broader effort to improve efficiency across its North American operations and concentrate resources on sites with stronger long-term potential.

Around 350 employees work at the two plants. Hydro said discussions on transition support and severance arrangements have already started. Workers affected by the closures will also be encouraged to apply for openings at other Hydro facilities in North America.

To minimise disruption for customers, the company has begun transferring production and equipment to other facilities within its North American network. Hydro expects this process to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

The move is aimed at maintaining customer supply while reshaping the company's manufacturing footprint in the region.

Explore our e-magazine ALuminium LeaderSpeak 2026 for the latest industry insights and trends