Oct 30 2006
RUSAL, the world's third largest aluminium producer, has announced the opening of one of the most advanced foil mills in the world, RUSAL ARMENAL in Armenia after extensive modernization. Total investment into the project has exceeded $70 million.
The tender for the modernization of the plant was won by German firm Achenbaсh who started the programme in 2004 and completed it in a record period of 23 months The modernization programme included the installation of supercasters, which are continuous casting and rolling units. The programme developed a non-waste process cycle, abandoned the use of ingots, improved the quality of products and cut expenses significantly. The preparatory rolling mill has also been fully modernized and is now equipped with monitoring tools and a process control system.
Modern environment-protection and labour safety systems have been implemented at the plant. In particular, the process of lubricant steam collection removal and condensation system has been updated, modern fire-fighting equipment has been installed and a complex fire alarm system has been introduced. RUSAL Armenal will produce 25,000 tonnes of foil per year, of which 18,000 tonnes will be a thin 6-9 micron foil, which is the most popular product in Russia and abroad.
Alexander Burdin, the Deputy CEO for the packaging business of RUSAL said, «The modernization and launch of the upgraded ARMENAL is an example of the successful implementation of RUSAL's commitment to develop high-tech state-of-the-art operations. The implementation of our strategic goals benefits the economies of both Armenia and Russia as we improve efficiency and increase productivity. Today ARMENAL is one of the most advanced and environmentally- friendly foil mills in the world.
The plant is fitted with state-of-the-art equipment; it meets all world standards and it is an illustration of the successful economic cooperation of the two states — Russia and Armenia.«He added, «I am sure ARMENAL will become a significant player in the global foil market».
The plant is expected to operate at full capacity in mid-2007 and become one of the major aluminium foil producers in the region. The plant's share in the total volume of foil products in the CIS will amount to 12% and its main sales markets will be Europe and USA.
ARMENAL is the only aluminium foil production facility in the Caucasus and Central Asia and has already received enough orders to operate at full capacity. RUSAL is considering an opportunity to expand the plant's production capacity up to 40,000 tonnes of product per year.