Metal Watch

MILL SHIPMENTS UP

1997 is shaping up as a growth year for the production of most U.S. aluminum mill products. Figures for the first eight months of 1997 compiled by The Aluminum Association, Washington, point to increases in the production of seven out of eight mill product categories. Production of sheet aluminum – the most common product – is up 4.6 percent thus far in 1997, while output of the second most common product, extruded tube, is up 8.9 percent. Plate aluminum is showing strength with a 23.3 percent increase, though it is still only the sixth most common mill product by weight. Only aluminum forgings and impacts are suffering an output decrease, down 4.2 percent so far this year.

HONDA SCRAP APPETITE WILL GROW

New engine block castings to be made by Honda of America Mfg. Inc., Marysville, Ohio, will increase that company’s need for aluminum scrap. Honda’s new die-casting machines will consume significant amounts of secondary aluminum as production increases this winter, according to a report in American Metal Market. The company will be building up to 900,000 engines – and many of the parts – at its Anna, Ohio, plant.