Novelis exits casting alloys in Europe

Staff -- Purchasing, 12/8/2005

Alcan spin-off Novelis is quitting the aluminum casting alloys business in Europe and closing a small money-losing plant in Borgofranco, Italy, by the end of March of next year.

"The casting alloys business is not a core part of the Novelis strategy," according to a statement from Chris Bark-Jones, president of Novelis' European unit. "We are focused on enhancing our product portfolio in high-value rolled-products markets where we enjoy technological leadership."

Novelis, which was spun off by Montreal-based aluminum giant Alcan in January, is the global leader in aluminum rolled products and aluminum can recycling. The Atlanta-based company has 36 operating plants in 11 countries and more than 13,000 employees. The company supplies aluminum sheet and foil to the automotive and transportation, beverage and food packaging, construction and industrial, and printing markets.