Novelis Adding Capacity at Swiss Rolling Mill

Novelis has announced that it will be investing $11.3 million to meet growing demand for the aluminum sheet produced at its Sierre, Switzerland, aluminum rolling operation.

According to a release announcing the investment, Novelis’ project, expected to come on stream late next year, will add ingot preparation capacity. The investment will include the installation of a "scalper," used to machine the ingot surfaces prior to hot-rolling, as well as ancillary handling equipment, environmental controls and a new building to house the process. The company did not note how much capacity will be increased by the investment.

"We are seeing strong growth in demand from our customers, particularly in the automotive sector," says Tadeu Nardocci, president of Novelis Europe and senior vice-president of Novelis Inc. in a release announcing the investment. "The benefits of lightweight aluminum sheet are increasingly being recognized by car manufacturers, with significant new programs already in the pipeline and solid demand forecasts. The investment announced today will help ensure that Novelis remains the leading supplier to this sector."