May 27 2013
Novelis, the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, will expand its production capacity for automotive sheet effective immediately. This step is designed to meet growing demand for light, recyclable aluminum sheet for automobile manufacturing.
Novelis Europe has qualified its rolling and finishing facility in Gottingen, Germany to produce automotive sheet. Novelis currently produces automotive sheet in Europe at its Nachterstedt, Germany and Sierre, Switzerland facilities. Initially, 20,000 tons will be manufactured annually in Gottingen. A planned second phase will expand capacity to 40,000 tons annually at the plant. The production site in Gottingen has specialized in the surface treatment of aluminum for various surface critical applications.
"The increased production at our Gottingen plant is part of our global expansion plan in the automotive sector," says Erwin Mayr, Senior Vice President, Novelis and President, Novelis Europe. "As the world's largest producer of aluminum sheet for the automobile industry, Novelis is adding capacity worldwide to meet the rapidly growing demand for rolled aluminum used in the design of a new generation of lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles."
Novelis is investing around the world to boost its automotive finishing capabilities. In North America, an expansion at the company's Oswego, New York plant will add 240,000 tons and a new plant under construction in Changzhou, China will have a capacity of 120,000 tons.