The UK's Aluminium Federation (ALFED) named its Rising Star winner during its Annual Dinner last week.
Yongzhi Luo, Assistant Sales Engineer at Primetals Technologies, won the award at ALFED's Annual Business Briefing and Dinner at the Carden Park Hotel, Chester, UK.
Judges said his passion for engineering and innovation has already seen him lead international projects and contribute to prototype development within his first few years in industry.
Fellow nominees included Jennie Wheeldon, Learning and Development Specialist at Amari Metals, Alicia Stevens from Bridgnorth Aluminium, Joe Collins, Apprentice Engineer at Hydro, and finally, Francis Briggs, EC&I Engineer at ALTEK.
The Community Engagement Award was awarded to Arconic Manufacturing (GB) Ltd (Kitts Green) for its long-standing commitment to supporting the East Birmingham community through investment in education, environment and social equity initiatives.
The company’s work has delivered measurable, positive impact for local schools, charities and youth organisations - a reflection of Arconic’s ethos of responsible manufacturing.
Novelis, Bridgnorth Aluminium and Air Products were recognised as runners-up for their own significant community engagement programmes
There was a ALFED Lifetime Achievement Award for Wayne Clifton, Vice President, Head of Recycling Europe at Hydro.
With a career spanning almost four decades, Wayne has risen from furnace operator to Vice President of Recycling Europe, helping to lead Hydro’s transition to low-carbon aluminium production and advancing recycling technology across the continent
The nominees included Kyle Smith, Senior Process Consultant at Innoval Technology, and Jenny Webb, Purchasing Manager at Smiths Metal Centres.
Special guest at the event, former boxer Frank Bruno MBE, was present to congratulate the award winners and nominees, as well as answer questions about his time in the ring.
Reflecting afterwards, Nadine Bloxsome, CEO of ALFED, said: said: “The ALFED Awards are more than just trophies - they’re a reflection of who we are as a community.
"They showcase innovation, leadership and integrity, and celebrate the people who make our industry so special.
"Each winner and finalist demonstrates the strength, creativity and collaboration that define the UK aluminium sector.”
The ALFED awards were followed by the dinner celebrations which was attended by 270 guests and featured a fireside chat with former boxer Frank Bruno MBE.
