Hindalco poineers aluminium alloy technology

Hindalco Industries, which forms part of Aditya Birla Group, the Indian multinational, is pioneering new usage of aluminium in the automobile and aviation sectors.

The move has been prompted by the company’s acquisition of Novelis, a Canadian subsidiary of Alcan, this year.

Novelis owns the niche technology that creates special aluminium alloy that can replace steel in cars.

Some European automotive manufacturers, such as Audi, are already using this technology and Hindalco plans to expand use of the alloy into India, and globally.

The company believes the aluminium alloy has an important part to play in reducing greenhouse gasses because it reduces weight.

Currently vehicles made using the technology are more expensive than those made of steel but as consumption increases, costs will decrease.

Hindalco is also investing in Hindalco Almex Alloys Limited, a joint venture between Hindalco and Almex of US.

The companies will be developing high-strength aluminium alloys for the aviation industry. Seventy per cent of the project is owned by Hindalco.

A new plant, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, is scheduled for completion next year; at full capacity it will produce of 45,000 tonnes of the aluminium alloy annually.

According to Shashi K Maudgal, executive president (marketing) of Hindalco: “Aviation offers high business potential as the sector is growing at 15% to 20% annually.”

The company is seeking to form partnerships in the aeronautical sector and is also looking for opportunities in defence.