The project is part of the company’s strategy to increase the share of alloys in total aluminium output. Completion is expected in 2016. Total investment in the project is estimated at $45 million.
The new casting line will produce a new size range of billets, including up to large diameter billets of 460mm. Currently, Rusal produces billets with a diameter of up to 200 mm, therefore greatly increasing our billet production abilities. The capacity of the line will be 120,000 tonnes per year.
Evgeny Nikitin, Director of Rusal’s Aluminium Division, commented: “Our consumers in construction, packaging and automotive industries will all benefit from the new alloys produced at KrAZ. Large diameter billets are in particular demand in the automotive industry, which are used to produce wheels for pickups and small trucks.”
The new project is part of the company’s strategy to increase the share of value added products in total output. By the end of 2014, the share of VAP is expected to increase to 45% thanks to the modernisation of casthouses at the Sayanogorsk (“SAZ”) and Khakass (“KhAZ”) aluminium smelters. Modernisation works at the second casthouse at SAZ will be completed in November 2014 and total investment is expected to reach $22.8 million. A further $4.6 million will be invested in the modernisation of the casthouse at KhAZ.
UC Rusal to invest $45 million in new casting line
Published 2nd July, 2014 by Nadine Bloxsome