Sep 10 2008
Novelis today officially launched European production of its Novelis FusionTM technology, which the company has dubbed “The New Aluminium.” Customers and community representatives joined Novelis executives in Sierre, Switzerland, to mark this important step in the company’s global expansion of multi-alloy sheet ingot production.
With Novelis Fusion, the company can offer its customers multi-alloy rolled aluminium with combinations of different core properties and surface characteristics that were not possible before – hence, “The New Aluminium.”
Market response has been so enthusiastic that Novelis has rolled out production globally, with facilities in North America, Asia and now Europe, soon to be joined by one in South America. Indeed, the capacity of the new Novelis Fusion casthouse in Sierre was almost doubled during the 17-month construction period in light of the high level of interest, successful trials and orders. The facility’s current annual capacity is 130,000 tonnes.
European orders for Novelis Fusion sheet can now be fulfilled with ingot from the Sierre facility. Previously, orders were produced using ingots cast in North America and then rolled at one of the company’s European mills.
This shortening of the supply chain is important for those customers in a wide range of sectors who have been trialling Novelis Fusion sheet and are now committed or planning to enter full production with the new material. The timing could not have been better for one major European car manufacturer who next month will launch a vehicle containing an application of Novelis Fusion. Other customers, such as those buying brazing sheet for heat exchanger applications, are keen to follow the North American example where Novelis Fusion is now the market leader for brazing sheet.
Speaking at the launch event, Arnaud de Weert, president of Novelis Europe said: “We are sending out a strong invitation to European designers and engineers to explore the potential of Novelis Fusion. This material is conceptually a ‘new aluminium’ that opens the door to the future of design. It is available here in Europe today, thanks to the great work of the Sierre team, who have delivered this project on time and to the highest standards.”