Sep 12 2007
Alcan today signed a joint venture agreement with Dingsheng Aluminium, a privately owned Chinese foil producer, to set up a greenfield facility in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu province, in China. Alcan is the majority partner in the project. The new world-class facility will produce heat-treated aluminum plates for the fast growing aerospace and general engineering markets.
"Today's signing marks a major milestone in Alcan Engineered Products' continued expansion into the Chinese market. This is a major project that will reinforce our leadership position in the growing aluminum plate market and as a global leader in providing innovative solutions to our key customers. We are very appreciative of the support of the Jiangsu province, and are confident that this new joint venture will be a success," said Christel Bories, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Engineered Products.
"This new state-of-the-art facility underscores Alcan's position as a key supplier of innovative aluminum products for the rapidly expanding aerospace and general engineering markets," said Jean-Philippe Cael, President of Alcan's Aerospace, Transportation and Industry group.
The facility, which is subject to approval by the Central Chinese Government and will also require final approval by Alcan's Board, will produce aluminum plates with advanced patented alloys and will strengthen Alcan's position in the heat-treated plate markets, specifically in the aerospace sector where these plates are used in the wings and fuselages of airplanes. The new facility will also serve the general engineering markets; including, equipment for semi-conductors, home appliances, and plastic injection molds to produce automotive parts.