Oscar will have responsibility for the manufacturing operations in the Russellville, AR and Gulfport, MS facilities for Taber.  Oscar's background in engineering, operations, and Sr. Leadership experience, including aluminum extrusion and fabrication align well with Taber's core operations.

AEC member Pries Enterprises, a family-owned and operated aluminum extrusion company, proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of craftsmanship, innovation, and commitment to customers across the aluminum industry.

Founded in 1976 by Merle McMahon, Richard Deardorff, Michael Welch, Arthur Pries, and James Gamerdinger, Hawkeye Aluminum began as a friend found vision rooted in hard work, integrity, and a dedication to quality manufacturing. The small fabrication operation, originally meant to fill a void left by another company’s relocation, has grown into a trusted partner for customers nationwide, delivering precision aluminum extrusion solutions across a wide range of industries.

Pries Enterprises gained its name in 1984 when its Independence location was constructed. The Waterloo facility of Hawkeye Aluminum closed its doors and took on the full Pries name in 1998.

Over the past five decades, Pries Enterprises has expanded its capabilities while remaining true to its family-owned foundation. The company is known for its expertise in aluminum extrusion, commitment to details, and focus on building long-term customer relationships. Key milestones include:

• 2014 addition of a 9 inch press
• 2019 addition of a 50,000 square-foot, state of the art anodize line
• 2022 addition of a 100,000 square-foot extrusion building
• 2025 purchase of a 50,000 square-foot facility next to Pries for expand CNC and Fabrication capabilities

As a multi-generation family business, Pries Enterprises takes pride in combining decades of experience with forward-thinking innovation. The company continues to invest in innovative technology, skilled talent, and sustainable practices to meet the evolving needs of its customers and market.

The one piece of advice I received by my father before taking over the business was to remember “ in the end its about the people and community”. This philosophy has guided us through four major expansion ensuring we stay true to our values. – Owner, Matthew McMahon

For more information about Pries Enterprises and its history and capabilities, visit priesenterprises.com.

According to the aluminum extrusion tooling company, they can now handle oversized and high-tonnage tooling, reduce lead times, and improve logistics for customers across the southern United States.

Built for size, precision, and performance, the Alabama operation offers full-scope services from design and engineering to machining, validation, and refurbishment, all backed by the same hands-on technical support we’re known for.

“This investment reflects our long-term commitment to innovation, growth, and the industries we serve,” said Weitenberner.

To learn more about Gemini Group’s aluminum extrusion tooling company, visit geminigroup.net/engineered-tooling-solutions/aluminum-extrusion-tooling or contact metalsales@geminigroup.net.

Sherwin-Williams Executive Chairman John Morikis to Retire; President and CEO Heidi Petz Elected Chair

AEC member, The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) announced today that John G. Morikis will retire from his position as Executive Chairman effective as of the close of business on December 31, 2024, following a 40-year career with the Company. Mr. Morikis will remain a member of the Sherwin-Williams Board of Directors until his retirement from the Board at the end of his current term at the 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in April 2025. The Board has elected Heidi G. Petz to assume the additional role of Chair of the Board effective January 1, 2025. Ms. Petz has served as Sherwin-Williams President and Chief Executive Officer since January 1, 2024.

"My deep and sincere thanks go to John for his exceptional leadership, dedication and vision over his distinguished career with Sherwin-Williams," commented Ms. Petz. "John's passion for driving the success of our customers and our employees resulted in strong and sustained performance by our Company throughout his tenure. He leaves us with a tremendous foundation upon which we can continue to build profitable growth for years to come. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Ms. Petz joined Sherwin-Williams with the acquisition of The Valspar Corporation in 2017. Since joining the Company, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including President of the Consumer Brands Group, President of The Americas Group and, prior to her current role, President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining Sherwin-Williams and Valspar, Ms. Petz held various leadership roles with Newell Rubbermaid, Target Corporation and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

"This announcement is the result of a defined and thoughtful leadership transition process for the Company and the Board," said Jeff M. Fettig, Sherwin-Williams Lead Director. "The Board believes this leadership structure, with Heidi serving as both CEO and Chair, is the most efficient and effective model for the Company as it provides unified leadership and focus. Heidi's broad business experience, including her successful career in various key corporate and business unit leadership positions with the Company, makes her well suited for this role.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, our shareholders, customers, employees and other stakeholders, I thank John for his four decades of extraordinary service to Sherwin-Williams. His decisive leadership and strategic direction drove consistently strong results for the Company. John leaves us positioned exceedingly well for the future, and we wish him a happy and healthy retirement."

PPG recognized in Newsweek's America's Greenest Companies list

AEC member, PPG today announced that it has been named to Newsweek magazine's America's Greenest Companies 2025 list. The list recognizes the top 500 private and public U.S. companies committed to reducing their environmental impact in key areas including greenhouse gas emissions, water management, and waste reduction.

“At PPG, we pride ourselves on integrating sustainability into our business strategy,” said Peter Votruba-Drzal, PPG vice president, global sustainability. “With our customers, we use it as a driver to accelerate growth with sustainably advantaged products* and productivity innovations. In our own operations, we use it as a catalyst to improve productivity through energy efficiency, waste minimization, and water reduction.”

In 2023, PPG reported strong progress against its 2030 sustainability targets, including:

• 45% of process waste sent to reuse, recycle, and recovery
• 13% reduction in water intensity at priority sites
• 10% reduction in scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions
• 12% reduction in scope 3 GHG emissions, reflective of reporting categories 1, 10, and 12**
• 97% of key suppliers assessed to sustainability and social responsibility criteria

Newsweek partnered with Plant-A Insights Group and GIST Impact to compile the list. To ensure the highest standards, only companies that meet the European Union's stringent sustainability criteria – considered the most advanced globally – were eligible for consideration. The companies were evaluated and scored on more than 25 parameters, including sustainability data disclosure and commitments.

To learn more about PPG’s sustainability progress and 2030 targets, visit ppg.com/sustainability.

*Sustainably advantaged products are identified using PPG's methodology that validates product attributes and their contribution towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

**Category 1: Purchased goods and services, including raw materials and PPG-manufactured packaging; Category 10: Customer processing of sold products; Category 12: End-of-life treatment of sold products.

Quaker Houghton Appoints Joseph Berquist as CEO and President

AEC Member, Quaker Houghton announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Joseph Berquist as Chief Executive Officer and President, and a member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Mr. Berquist, who succeeds Andy Tometich as Chief Executive Officer and President, most recently served as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Quaker Houghton

Michael F. Barry, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Quaker Houghton commented, "I want to thank Andy for his three years of leadership at Quaker Houghton. His outside perspective and experiences were valuable to help position the Company for future growth. The Board's plan since my retirement has been, ultimately, to have a CEO with detailed working knowledge and experience with our specific industry, customers, and products. That detailed familiarity with the business will help drive shareholder value as we grow through organic market share gains as well as acquisitions."

Mr. Barry continued, "Joe has demonstrated exceptional leadership at Quaker Houghton throughout his career. Having personally worked with Joe for more than 25 years, I know him to be a highly regarded leader with an indisputable knowledge and passion for this industry, our customers, and our people. His vision and proven track record in delivering above-market growth for Quaker Houghton is precisely what is needed as the Company enters this next chapter."

"I am honored to have the confidence of our Board of Directors to lead this organization at such an exciting time for Quaker Houghton", Mr. Berquist said. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside my remarkable colleagues to enhance Quaker Houghton's position as the trusted global leader in industrial process fluids and services. We have a strong foundation and proven business model with an opportunity to add scale, strengthen our culture, and deliver long-term sustainable value to our customers and our shareholders."

"I am honored to have the confidence of our Board of Directors to lead this organization at such an exciting time for Quaker Houghton", Mr. Berquist said. "I look forward to continuing to work alongside my remarkable colleagues to enhance Quaker Houghton's position as the trusted global leader in industrial process fluids and services. We have a strong foundation and proven business model with an opportunity to add scale, strengthen our culture, and deliver long-term sustainable value to our customers and our shareholders."

Since joining Quaker Houghton in 1997, Mr. Berquist has been instrumental in the execution of the Company's growth. In 2008, he was promoted to the Company's executive leadership team as Managing Director North America, where he drove several consecutive years of revenue and profitability improvement. Mr. Berquist successfully co-led the integration planning of the 2019 Quaker Houghton combination, a transaction that nearly doubled the Company's size, and generated synergies in excess of $80M. During his tenure, he has been involved in executing 24 of the Company's acquisitions. In 2019, Mr. Berquist assumed the role of Chief Strategy Officer, where he led the organization's strategy development. In 2023, Mr. Berquist was appointed to the newly created position of Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer with commercial responsibility over all Quaker Houghton's global businesses.

Alcoa Joins First Suppliers Hub - Connecting Leading Companies with Low-Carbon Aluminum Technologies

Alcoa Corporation on November 21, 2024, announced that it has joined the World Economic Forum's First Suppliers Hub, a global repository of innovative suppliers providing materials needed to support the ambition of industrial decarbonization in the world by 2050.

First Suppliers Hub is a database of global final product and value chain suppliers created by the First Movers Coalition; both the First Movers Coalition (FMC) and First Suppliers Hub are within the World Economic Forum. Members of FMC set a target that at least 10 percent of their annual primary aluminum procurement volumes meet or exceed the Coalition's definition for low-carbon primary aluminum. FMC defines low-carbon as below 3 tonnes CO₂e per ton of primary aluminum on a cradle-to-gate basis. First Suppliers Hub simplifies First Movers Coalition members' aim to leverage their purchasing power by sharing emerging decarbonization technologies that meet or exceed FMC's low-carbon levels.

"Alcoa's breakthrough technologies support our customers' decarbonization efforts now and into the future," said Renato Bacchi, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Alcoa. "By joining the First Suppliers Hub, we are further simplifying options for end-users at some of the world's leading companies to reduce emissions within their supply chains.

"With ELYSIS^®, we are capable of producing aluminum using an innovative carbon-free smelting process. Alcoa is working to bring our customers – and the world – closer to a lower carbon future."

ELYSIS uses proprietary inert anode technology to eliminate all direct greenhouse gas emissions from the aluminum smelting process, making it possible to produce aluminum meeting the FMC definition when paired with renewable power to the smelter and low-carbon alumina. Alcoa and its ELYSIS technology partnership recently announced the next step in developing this technology with an industrial-scale demonstration project that will provide Alcoa with an offtake of ELYSIS material to help meet customer needs for more sustainable solutions.

While ELYSIS offers an exciting future, Alcoa has a portfolio of products available today to help customers reduce their carbon footprint.

Alcoa also offers its Sustana^® line of products that includes:

• EcoLum^® aluminum that has a carbon footprint one-third the global industry average;
• EcoSource^® alumina produced from a refining portfolio that has an average emissions intensity that is less than half of the industry average; and
• EcoDura^® aluminum produced with at least 50 percent recycled content.

For more information on Alcoa's commitment to a low-carbon future, including how Alcoa's global smelting portfolio is 87 percent powered by renewable energy, visit our Sustainability web page at https://www.alcoa.com/sustainability.

Danieli Corporation has moved to a new office within the same building in Cranberry Township, PA. The company’s address will now be:

600 Cranberry Woods Drive, Suite 400
Cranberry Township, PA 16066

The new space offers more room and natural light, supporting the company’s current growth and future projects.

Aluminium and renewable energy company, AEC Member Hydro has decided to invest USD 85 million in a new casting line to strengthen its aluminium recycling plant in Henderson, Kentucky. The new line will become operational in 2026 and supply the U.S. automotive market with high-quality automotive components.

Hydro CEO Eivind Kallevik (right) and Head of Hydro Aluminum Metals USA Duncan Pitchford (left) announced the investment decision with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. (Photo: Halvor Molland/Hydro)

The investment decision was announced by Hydro's President and CEO, Eivind Kallevik, at a meeting with the Governor of Kentucky. The investment is backed by tax incentives from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) and will provide 31 new jobs in the city of Henderson. The new casting line will increase capacity by 28 000 tonnes (62 million pounds) of aluminium and strengthen Hydro Henderson's position as a leading producer of low-carbon aluminium for the North American automotive industry.

"This investment is another step along Hydro's journey to change the game in aluminium production. Recycling more end-of-life scrap reduces emissions, strengthens security of supply and enables us to deliver new, cutting-edge products to our U.S. customers," says Kallevik.

Hydro previously announced a USD 15 million investment in a new baghouse and homogenization equipment at the Hydro Henderson recycling plant. These projects are now nearing completion and will enable Hydro Henderson to produce larger volumes of advanced alloys using recycled, post-consumer scrap with a lower-carbon footprint.

Hydro's aluminium recycling plant in Henderson, Kentucky.

The new project introducing HyForge technology at Hydro Henderson follows in the footsteps of the successful implementation of the HyForge casting technology at the Hydro Husnes primary plant in Norway and the Hydro Rackwitz recycling plant in Germany.

"Hydro Henderson has been at the forefront of producing recycling based automotive products for nearly twenty years. We work closely with the automotive industry and introducing Hydro's HyForge technology will provide Hydro and our partners with a greener advantage, Made in America," says Kallevik.

Greener growth meets market demand

The new HyForge casthouse is planned to become operational in 2026. When in operation, Hydro Henderson will serve the automotive market's need for smaller diameter, high quality billets that can be forged directly into high-quality automotive components. This means the number of processing steps from casthouse to automotive parts are greatly reduced, leading to cost efficiency and higher product quality compared to traditional processes. All benefits will come without compromising safety.

Head of Hydro Aluminum Metals USA Duncan Pitchford (left) with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Hydro's President & CEO Eivind Kallevik annoncing the Henderson investment on May 30. (Photo: Halvor Molland/Hydro)

"Taking advantage of the new technology and expanded capacity cater to the specific needs of our customers within the automotive industry to create light weight car parts, helping reduce emissions from driving. This expansion significantly increases the use of end-of-life aluminium, cutting emissions from creating the products themselves, ensuring market leading sustainability performance for Hydro and our customers," says Kallevik.

By using a high share of end-of-life scrap, Hydro Henderson will deliver HyForge billets with a low CO2 footprint.

"By investing in premier recycling technology and responding to the U.S. automotive industry's demand to further decarbonize, Hydro Henderson is ready for the road ahead, fully in line with Hydro's commitment to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2050," says Kallevik.

AEC Member Century Aluminum announced today that they have been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy ("DOE") Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $500 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act funding to build a new aluminum smelter as part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program ("IDP"). Century's Green Aluminum Smelter Project is one of 33 projects across more than 20 states to receive funding designed to demonstrate commercial-scale decarbonization solutions needed to move energy-intensive industries toward net-zero while strengthening local economies, creating, and maintaining high-quality jobs, and slashing greenhouse gas emissions.

With the help of this funding, Century plans to build the first new U.S. primary aluminum smelter in 45 years. Upon completion, the smelter would double the size of the current U.S. primary aluminum industry.

This historic investment represents a major capital injection for the U.S. primary aluminum industry. The Project will strengthen domestic supply chains for materials critical for the green energy transition, including electric vehicles, renewable-energy production and storage, building and construction, and sustainable packaging.

"We are extremely proud that the DOE has selected Century's Green Aluminum Smelter Project to receive such significant support, and we are excited to continue moving this transformational project forward," remarked Century CEO, Jesse Gary. "The Project embodies a great many goals and aspirations shared by all our stakeholders including providing a tremendous win for the domestic, primary aluminum industry and the broader U.S. economy, strengthening domestic supply chains of critical materials, protecting our national security interests, and building a more sustainable future for generations to come."

Century expects to build this new smelter at a site within the Ohio/Mississippi River Basins. This project is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs represented by the United Steelworkers and over 5,500 construction jobs. Century plans to collaborate with job training organizations and local technical colleges to recruit and train employees from the local community where the smelter is located.

Century Aluminum is an integrated producer of bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum products. Century is the largest producer of primary aluminum in the United States and also operates production facilities in Iceland, the Netherlands and Jamaica.

Visit centuryaluminum.com for more information.

AEC member, M-D Building Products, Inc. Chairman of the Board Loren Plotkin and the board of directors are pleased to announce the following senior leadership changes effective immediately:

M-D Building Products Senior Vice President of Strategic Services Jared Bringhurst has been promoted to President of Manufactured Solutions, effective February 29, 2024. Jared has been with M-D for nearly four years as its SVP of Strategic Development with responsibilities for shared manufacturing services of aluminum extrusion, anodizing, and custom fabrication in Oklahoma City as well as corporate safety, maintenance and engineering.

Prior to joining M-D Building Products, Jared was the President of Futura Industries, later a division of Bonnell Aluminum, an aluminum extrusion and services provider located in Clearfield, Utah. Jared has worked in the aluminum extrusion and anodizing industries since 1995 in various roles throughout business leadership and operations. Before his time at Futura Industries, Jared worked for several years in the plastics injection molding industry as an operator and CNC programmer. Jared graduated from Weber State University in 1999 with a BS Degree in Manufacturing Engineering Technology and has been successful in combining his engineering education and experience with many different roles throughout his career.

Jared and his wife Jami reside in Oklahoma City, OK with three of their six children. They are actively involved in their church and community. They also enjoy spending as much time as possible with their family, traveling together, playing and watching sports, and being in the great outdoors.

"We are so excited to have Jared continue his strategic leadership role at M-D in a part of the business that he knows best," said Ryan Plotkin, President and CEO of M-D Building Products. "His vast experience and understanding of the specialty extrusion market is a wonderful wealth of knowledge to lean on as we grow our Manufactured Solutions business for many years to come. In addition to his technical expertise, his focus on developing tomorrow's leaders and fostering the M-D culture will set this part of our business up for success for many years to come.

Loren Plotkin, Chairman of M-D Building Products, also shared his excitement. "I'm very excited about the progress that we've made under Jared's operational leadership over the last few years. I greatly anticipate future growth with Jared at the helm of our strategic business unit. Jared will continue to bring cutting-edge process and technology to our business as we invest in the future. As a diversified manufacturer, our Manufactured Solutions business is important to the overall health of M-D through its performance as well as ability to provide product and process expertise to leverage across the company."

Originally founded in 1953, AEC member Paramount Extrusions of Paramount, California is a third-generation family business specializing in high-end tight-tolerance aluminum extrusions for a broad range of B2B clientele. Utilizing its unique indirect extrusion presses and processes, Paramount can deliver the most precise and lightweight profiles. The company reached a milestone in 2023 with its 70th anniversary. Undergoing a process of evolution during the last decade, the leadership team recognized that significant business advancements required the telling of a new, more comprehensive story to the marketplace.

These advancements included achieving both AS9100D and ISO certifications, allowing Paramount to better serve the aerospace and automotive industries, as well as a new predictable ordering system called "Billet Proof" that alleviates customer supply chain issues with one-week lead-times. Perhaps more significantly, however, Paramount had continued to advance the way it partnered with customers, going beyond the technical aspects of an extrusion to ensure the ultimate application's success and the customer's overall satisfaction. Decades of expertise combined with comprehensive, turnkey solutions ranging from design and extrusion to fabrication and finishing meant Paramount Extrusions was uniquely positioned to deliver upon even the most challenging shapes and profiles—that other extruders can't solve.

Paramount Extrusions partnered with B2B brand consultancy, BrandingBusiness, to recast the brand strategy and develop a compelling new visual identity and messaging system. Based on internal and market research, the new brand positioning and narrative is encapsulated in the brand line: "Pushing boundaries. Shaping the exceptional." For 70 years, Paramount Extrusions has been crafting aluminum profiles that defy convention, and now it has the tools to tell that story with conviction and consistency.

The new verbal brand elements are supported and elevated by a new logo that conveys the concept of pushing boundaries and represents Paramount's four key service offerings. The triangular shapes within also represent the three generations of leadership by the Munson family. An extended visual identity system maintains the black and yellow color palette that reflects the brand's heritage while bringing a new sense of modernity and simplicity to support digital communications and marketing efforts. A redesigned website (ParamountExtrusions.com) acts as a primary showcase of the brand's new story, look and feel, and capabilities.

"I'm so proud of how our new brand marries the best of what my father and grandfather have built over the last 70 years with a renewed focus, power, and optimism that will guide us forward for the next 70 years," said Cameron Munson, President and CEO of Paramount Extrusions. "This is a special business driven by a group of dedicated experts that bring our customers' visions to life. I'm confident we have great things ahead of us."

AEC member, Alcoa Corporation (NYSE: AA) today announced that it has appointed Matt Reed as Alcoa's Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, effective January 1, 2024.

Reed, who will be based in Western Australia, will lead Alcoa's global operations, including bauxite mines, alumina refineries, and aluminum smelters. He will be accountable for operational excellence, focusing on safety, environmental management, productivity, cost management, and long-term strategic planning.

Reed is currently the Vice President of Operations for Australia and serves concurrently as President, Alcoa of Australia. He joined Alcoa in June of 2023.

“Matt is a very strong leader who will help us drive a high-performance culture across our assets,” said Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger. “He is guided by integrity and a passion for building capable and motivated teams. He will build on the work he's already accomplished, driving increased stability while successfully managing a range of complex initiatives.”

Reed has more than 25 years of experience in the resource sector, including mining and minerals processing. Prior to joining Alcoa, he served as the Operations Executive (Chief Operating Officer) of OZ Minerals, leading assets and projects in Australia and Brazil. Prior to OZ Minerals, Reed was the Executive Managing Director (Chief Operating Officer) of SIMEC Mining, where he had multisite responsibility for commodity exploration, development, and operations in addition to business development and marketing.

Oplinger, who was appointed President and CEO in September of 2023, has maintained the responsibilities associated with his prior role as Chief Operations Officer. Oplinger will continue with those responsibilities until Reed's appointment on January 1, 2024. Meanwhile, Reed will continue as Vice President Operations, Australia, and President, Alcoa of Australia, until January 31, at which point an interim Vice President Operations for Australia will be appointed. A permanent Vice President Operations for Australia will be named after a competitive search process.

"This new facility represents our continued commitment to sustainability, allowing us to meet the growing global demand for green aluminum while minimizing energy consumption, emissions and environmental disruption," said Marc Schupan, CEO of the company.

About the investment
According to Gary Curtis, President of Industrial Recycling at Schupan, the investment includes the procurement of land, the construction of buildings, and the buying of equipment. He also added that Schupan chose Kalamazoo as one of its locations due to its seamless integration with the company's current activities. The Kentucky facility in Logan County is near several of the company's major clients who consume a significant amount of its products.

The Schupan factory in Logan County was granted $200,000 in Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act tax incentives in July 2022. Curtis said the Kalamazoo operation will utilise shredding and sorting technologies to prepare lesser grades of outmoded aluminium scrap for billet manufacturers and coil producers, whilst the Kentucky plant will concentrate on processing used beverage cans (UBCs).

The Schupan sites will be outfitted with comparable sorting equipment and 1,000-horsepower shredders from St. Louis-based American Pulverizer. Still, the Kalamazoo facility will also include a bale breaker, according to Curtis. They will employ sorting equipment made by Steinert GmBH, a German company with US operations in Walton, Kentucky, that includes eddy current separators, optical sorters, and X-ray sorters. The majority of the conveyors for the projects were supplied by Hustler Conveyor Co., O'Fallon, Missouri.

Mining giant Rio Tinto and Giampaolo Group have finalised the deal to establish the Matalco joint venture (JV) to produce low-carbon recycled aluminum products.

Rio Tinto acquired a 50% interest in the Matalco business from Giampaolo Group, by paying $700m and after securing all regulatory approvals.

The JV, which was agreed by the parties in July 2023, will integrate the capabilities of the largest primary and secondary aluminum producers in North America to fulfil the demand for low-carbon materials.

With this stake, Rio Tinto can now offer a complete range of aluminum products. These include primary aluminum produced with hydropower, along with a diverse portfolio of recycled aluminum.

It also expands the miner's US aluminum operations, where the demand for recycled aluminum is projected to grow by more than 70% between 2022 and 2032. The demand will mainly come from the transportation, construction, and packaging industries.

During this period, global consumption of recycled aluminum is also expected to increase by over 60%.

Matalco will continue operating the JV's facilities in the US and Canada. These facilities have a recycled aluminum production capacity of 900,000 tonnes (t) per annum.

It will also continue providing closed-loop solutions for its clients, turning scrap into aluminum billets and slabs.

Matalco produced about 400,000t of recycled aluminum, which included 78% billet and 22% slab, in the eight months ended 30 September 2023.

Its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) during the same period was $165 per tonne.

Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm said: "Creating the Matalco joint venture gives Rio Tinto a leading position in the rapidly growing North American recycled aluminum market, allowing us to offer a full complement of low-carbon recycled products.

"We look forward to working in partnership with Giampaolo Group to support the drive to net zero by expanding recycled production and providing closed-loop recycling solutions to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint."

Giampaolo Group CEO Chris Galifi said: "We are thrilled about beginning our partnership with Rio Tinto, on forming a joint venture for Matalco. This collaboration showcases our dedication to continuously evolving our production of high-quality, low-carbon aluminum.

"We look forward to continuing to grow with our new partners while providing products that support sustainability."

The state-of-the-art aluminum recycling plant was officially opened on Thursday, November 16. From left: Emilie LaGrow, Village Manager Cassopolis, Hilde Merete Aasheim, President & CEO Hydro, Dre Kiser, Production Operator, Tyler First, Production Operator, Tore Onshuus Sandvik, State Secretary Labour Party, Jen Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corporation and Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President Hydro Aluminium Metal. Dre and Tyler, who have known each other since first grade, are holding a bumper beam for cars made with recycled aluminum.

"With the U.S. experiencing a manufacturing renaissance, this is a great day for Cassopolis, Michigan and for Hydro. This project is a key part of our strategy to double the production of our market leading recycled products and to bring more low-carbon aluminum to our American partners," says President and CEO, Hilde Merete Aasheim.

Hydro expects to produce 120,000 metric tonnes of aluminum extrusion ingot per year at the site. It is the third greenfield recycling plant the company has built in the United States, but the first designed to produce Hydro CIRCAL.

Hydro CIRCAL contains at least 75 percent post-consumer aluminum scrap, certified by third-party auditors DNV GL, and has a market leading CO2 footprint of just 2.3 kg CO2e per kg aluminum or less.

Hilde Merete Aasheim, President & CEO of Hydro, speaking at the opening ceremony

Recycled and low-carbon aluminum for automotive applications

The recycling plant will bring more post-consumer aluminum scrap back to life as value added products in the automotive, transport, building and construction, and the consumer durables markets.

The plant will make its initial deliveries to non-automotive customers, once qualification trials are completed, the automotive industry will be the destination for more and more of the extrusion ingot produced in Cassopolis.

"The demand for sustainably produced aluminum has been growing rapidly within virtually all of our market segments, and among carmakers in particular, so we see this as a perfect time to introduce Hydro CIRCAL in larger volumes than before. And it is only the beginning," says Eivind Kallevik, Executive Vice President for Hydro Aluminium Metal.

In anticipation of the production at Cassopolis, Hydro has been delivering quantities of Hydro CIRCAL to U.S. customers from its plants in Commerce, Texas, and Henderson, Kentucky, for the past year and a half.

Aluminum for lighter electric and hybrid vehicles

Aluminum is a strong, tough and elastic material, but also corrosion resistant and light weight, making it a natural choice for automakers. Lightweighting has long been a focus in that industry, as light weight means less fuel consumption in gas and diesel vehicles. The metal also plays a significant role in the lightweighting of electric and hybrid vehicles, which tend to be heavier than cars with internal combustion engines due to the weight of the batteries.

"We have been in business for as long as Michigan has been making cars, and with manufacturers switching to electric vehicles, together with the growing demand for aluminum in other applications, we are excited about bringing our next generation recycling technology here in Michigan, to the U.S.," says Aasheim.

Hydro invested approximately USD 150 million in the new plant.

An emotional happening as the Cassopolis employees raised the US and Norwegian flags for the first time on November 15, the day before the opening.

The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) regrets to announce the passing of Rich Walker, 74, former President and CEO of the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and an industry figure of momentous proportions. Walker retired from the Association in 2018 prior to its unification with the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) to form FGIA. He is survived by his wife, Diane Walker, who shares with Rich the namesake of the Rich and Diane Walker Cup golf event held at FGIA conferences, their two adult children, Kate and Adam and their granddaughter, Maddie Mae.

"Rich was a great man, leader and friend," said Janice Yglesias, FGIA Executive Director. "He was level-headed in any situation and his sense of humor brightened any room. I had the pleasure of working with Rich for almost 20 years and always admired the depth of the professional friendships he cultivated and his ability to bring a smile to the face of anyone he encountered. He was plain in his likes, including Pinot Noir, chocolate and Mexican food, and dislikes, particularly the color pink. He consistently took great care of the AAMA staff team, guiding us and inspiring us. I will forever be grateful for the years I knew Rich and for having the opportunity to get to know his wonderful family. He will be long remembered and dearly missed."

An industry veteran, Walker joined AAMA in 1996 as Technical Director and advanced to Southeast Region Director before accepting the President and CEO position in 2000. Under his leadership, the organization experienced tremendous growth and success. Beyond expanding AAMA's technical offering, which serves as the cornerstone of the association, Walker led the implementation of strategic objectives expanding the scope of services to include comprehensive education such as the FenestrationMasters® Program, legislative and regulatory monitoring and validation of fenestration product performance in Florida.

After graduating from Lafayette College with a B.S in Chemical Engineering, Walker earned an MBA in Finance from the University of Connecticut. He started his professional career as a Design Engineer for Dow Corning Corporation in Midland, MI. His 16 years with BFGoodrich included financial analysis, plant accounting, commercial accounting, strategic planning, market development and business management responsibilities. During that time, he was Plant Controller for the Avon Lake Ohio facility and Senior Business Manager for Window Compounds, a business with $40 million in sales and two production plants.

Known by Association members and staff for his good nature and sense of humor, Walker was a mainstay at industry events. Never shying away from laughing at himself, he did not hesitate to go along with musical and comedy routines often involving costumes and props. He is remembered as quick-witted and kind.

As an Ohio native, Walker loved Cleveland baseball and his home state's natural beauty. Because Walker spent much of his time traversing the parks of Medina County, contributions to the Medina County Parks are encouraged for those who wish to make a donation in his memory.

Cards expressing condolences can be mailed to the FGIA headquarters in Schaumburg via the address below. These will be promptly forwarded to Diane Walker.

FGIA
c/o Janice Yglesias
1900 E. Golf Rd.
Suite 1250
Schaumburg, IL 60173

For more information about FGIA and its activities, visit FGIAonline.org.

William F. Oplinger
(Photo: Business Wire)

Oplinger, 56, has served as the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer since February 2023 and previously served as the Company's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from November 2016 to February 2023.

Harvey had served as the Company's Chief Executive Officer since November 2016 and as President since May 2017. The transition of the President and CEO roles reflects the Company's succession planning process.

"Roy has guided Alcoa since its launch as a public company in November 2016, helping to transform Alcoa into the stronger and more resilient company that it is today," said Steven Williams, the Company's non-executive Chairman of the Board. "On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Roy for his service and his lasting contributions to Alcoa."

Williams continued: "Our Board believes Bill's extensive experience with Alcoa makes him well-positioned to carry the Company forward."

Prior to creation of Alcoa Corporation in 2016, Oplinger had been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Alcoa Inc., where he also previously served as Chief Operating Officer for the Global Primary Products (GPP) division and oversaw its mining, refining, smelting, casting and energy businesses.

"I am extremely honored to lead a company with such a rich legacy and build upon the progress we've made over these past several years," Oplinger said. "We've strengthened our Company and we will be focused on executing on our strategies to create value today while we work on our long-term vision to reinvent the aluminum industry for a sustainable future."

Tubelite 950SG four-side, structural sealant glazed (SSG) window wall provides mid- to high-rise commercial buildings with a thermally broken, aluminum framing solution that presents the look of curtainwall and the economy of slab-to-slab framing. Engineered for between-slab horizontal spans on commercial buildings, the system's dual-strut ultra-thermal barrier contributes to high-performance, energy-efficient building envelopes.

According to Glass Magazine, "The 2023 Glass Magazine Award winners provide incontrovertible proof that glass is beautiful and can do almost anything inside and outside of a building. The… six product award winners represent the full gamut of what glass and metal systems have to offer to the spaces where we live, learn, work and play."

"We're thankful to Glass Magazine for the award and for honoring the benefits of Tubelite 950SG thermal window wall. This aluminum framing system saves installation time and labor, while meeting more stringent model energy codes and supporting LEED® certification," said Steven Gille, pre-construction services manager with Tubelite. "Saving labor on the jobsite, our 950SG thermal window wall is installed entirely from the building's interior. Our streamlined system is designed with fewer parts and steps, and less installation time in the field."

A vertical, extruded silicone gasket eliminates the need for an exterior-applied wet seal, and a single-piece anti-buckling clip simplifies installation. Tubelite 950SG Series 2-1/4-inch-wide thermal framing has a system depth of 6 inches. Extrusion and brake metal options are offered for integrated slab edge covers. Three sill variations are available as 3-1/4-inch standard, 2-1/4-inch low-profile and SSG with no exposed metal.

Tubelite 950SG Series thermal window wall with SSG sill achieves up to a U-factor of 0.33 for thermal transmittance per NFRC 102 and a frame condensation resistance factor (CRFf) of 82 per AAMA 1503. The system also has been successfully tested to meet industry standards for acoustic, air, water and structural performance.

"For a complete high-performance framing package, Tubelite 950SG Window Wall easily pairs with other Therml=Block products including our TerraPorte terrace doors. Even in extreme cold climates, our Therml=Block products deliver superior energy and condensation resistance performance, while providing structural integrity, design creativity and sustainability," added Gille.

Tubelite further supports building teams' environmental goals and product selection with material transparency and documentation. The aluminum used to produce Tubelite 950SG Series window wall framing can be extruded using EcoLuminum™, an aluminum billet composition with a high recycled content. The aluminum is finished in a choice of high-performance standard anodized or paint finishes. Specialty finishes, custom colors and dual finishes also may be specified.

To learn more about Tubelite 950SG Series Therml=Block Window Wall system or other aluminum framing products, please visit https://tubeliteinc.com/.

Under the terms of the agreement, Rio Tinto will acquire a 50% equity stake in Giampaolo Group's wholly-owned Matalco business for $700 million1 subject to usual closing adjustments.

Matalco is a leading producer of high-quality recycled aluminium billet and slab products. It operates six facilities in the United States and one in Canada, with the capacity to produce approximately 900,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium per annum.

Giampaolo Group subsidiary Triple M Metal will be responsible for the supply of recyclable feed to the joint venture with Matalco's leadership team continuing to manage its operations. Rio Tinto will be responsible for sales and marketing of Matalco products following a transition period after completion of the transaction.

The joint venture partners will provide oversight to the Matalco management team on matters such as strategic decisions, including executive appointments, safety and ESG standards through a board with equal representation.

The joint venture will enable Rio Tinto to provide a broader range of high-quality and low-carbon, primary, recycled, and blended aluminium products, at a time when customers are looking for solutions to lower their carbon footprint. The joint venture will also enhance Matalco's current service offering to a wider array of customers, while securing access for low-carbon primary metal for its operations. Recycled aluminium is forecast to account for more than half of United States demand by 20282.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said: "Investing in recycling is part of our drive to find better ways to deliver the low-carbon materials the world needs and provides a natural extension of our industry leading primary aluminium business. We look forward to providing customers with aluminium solutions that meet their needs for low-carbon primary and recycled materials in partnership with Giampaolo Group a leader in providing recycled material in North America."

Giampaolo Group Inc. CEO Chris Galifi said: "I am delighted to partner with Rio Tinto, a leader in the global aluminium industry. We have steadily invested within the recycling supply chain and have grown the Matalco business over the past 18 years, based on our strategy focussing on a circular economy, and are extremely proud of the high-quality, low-carbon products we produce. Giampaolo Group and Rio Tinto have an excellent track record of creating successful collaborations to unlock value for customers and we look forward to joining forces to combine our complementary expertise in the recycling value chain with their experience and track record of innovation in the primary aluminium industry."

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.

About Rio Tinto Aluminium
Rio Tinto is a global leader in aluminium, with a large-scale, vertically-integrated business: bauxite mines and alumina refineries as well as smelters producing aluminium certified as responsible. The Matalco joint venture continues Rio Tinto's investment in building its supply of low-carbon aluminium in North America. Previous investments include $1.1 billion to expand the use of its AP60 technology at its Arvida aluminium smelter in June 2023, $29 million to establish new recycling capabilities at the Arvida smelter in August 2022, and $188 million to increase billet production capability at the Alma smelter in July 2022, all in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec.

Rio Tinto is also working with the Governments of Canada and Quebec towards a deployment of the ELYSISTM zero carbon aluminium smelting technology at its Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean facilities. With the current development pathway, the ELYSIS joint venture between Rio Tinto and Alcoa aims to have its technology available for installation from 2024 and the production of larger volumes of carbon-free aluminium approximately two years later.

About Giampaolo Group and Matalco
The Giampaolo Group was founded over 50 years ago in Toronto, Ontario with a distinct focus in the recycling industry. Since established, the organization has evolved into a multinational integrated metal corporation. The Giampaolo Group focuses on harvesting waste within the metal ecosystem by operating within the recycling, manufacturing, and IT asset disposition space.

Established in 2005, Matalco is a leading producer of recycled aluminium billet and slab. From the initial foray into 6XXX series billet, Matalco currently produces a variety of 3XXX, 5XXX, 6XXX and 7XXX billet and slab while offering both direct and tolled products. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, the company has solidified its position as a frontrunner in the industry. With seven remelting and casting facilities spread across North America, Matalco employs over 650 skilled professionals and operates an extensive logistics network to service its customers. Its primary focus is to supply upstream producers of extruded, forged, and rolled products while relying on Triple M Metal to supply recyclable raw material to provide a truly closed loop solution to its customers.

"A favorite extrusion story of his was working with extrusion tables in the 1960's so short, that when we extruded small light one-hole shapes an employee would walk the metal off the short table and into the street. Another employee would stop traffic, the metal was rushed across the table, and cut into finished lengths and traffic would resume," Nick Noecker, President of International Extrusions explained.

He saw aluminum extrusions come a long way!

"Anyone in our industry who has done business with us will tell you he is an incredibly wonderful and vibrant person who they are fortunate to have encountered," said Noecker. "Sixty years with the same company is quite a thing, and I wish I was celebrating his 60th anniversary rather than sharing this news."

He continued: "George was a character, a true team builder, and a great person to work with. George will be celebrated by those who knew him."

For funeral details visit dignitymemorial.com here.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in George’s memory to his beloved Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores, Michigan, 48080.

National aluminum extruder and fabricator, and AEC member, Gateway Extrusions, based in Union, MO, outside St. Louis, recently welcomed Missouri State Representative Brad Banderman to its headquarters and production facility. Representative Banderman presented Gateway with a Missouri House of Representatives Proclamation in honor of Gateway's 20th Anniversary. Also during the visit, Representative Banderman toured the various production lines, met with employees, and learned more about the history of Gateway and its parent company, national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems.

Gateway Extrusions recently welcomed Missouri State Representative Brad Banderman to its production facility in Union, MO. Rep. Banderman (left) presents a Missouri House Proclamation in honor of Gateway's 20th year of operations to Gateway General Manager Brent Robb (right).

"We were very pleased to share the story of Gateway's growth and success with Representative Banderman, and to receive such a special recognition from Missouri's House of Representatives," said General Manager Brent Robb. "Representative Banderman grew up and lives in the area and has a great appreciation for the value manufacturers bring to the region."

Robb discussed with Representative Banderman Gateway's plans for future capital investment at the Union plant and sales expansion into the Southeastern US. This follows on the heels of a major $15 million-dollar multi-year expansion program at Gateway, which included the purchase of existing adjacent industrial buildings and properties and installation of new 7-inch and 9-inch extrusion presses and a state-of-the-art vertical powder coating line.

Gateway opened in 2003 with the acquisition of the shuttered Cupples Aluminum Products plant in the Union Industrial Park by Gateway's parent company, national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems. Over the past 20 years, Gateway Extrusions has grown beyond merely supplying the parent company with two thirds of its sales now coming from other companies. Gateway has also expanded from a regional operation to a national supplier whose customers can be found coast to coast. In addition to fenestration, Gateway supplies such diverse industries as lighting, shelving and storage systems, partitions, solar racking systems, railings, fencing, and boat and trailer accessories.

Gateway is commemorating its 20th Anniversary with several events, activities, and promotions during the year, culminating in a celebration with all its employees this Fall.

Kenneth Howard Kabine, 96, of Isle of Palms passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Ken was born on November 8, 1926 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Ruth and William Kabine. He served in the Army in World War II and was awarded medals for his service in the Pacific Theater and Germany. Ken also served our country in the Air Force during the Korean War.

He was a true pioneer in the aluminum extrusion industry, moving South to Newnan, Georgia in 1953 when Mr. Bonnell began the William L. Bonnell Company. After 10 years there, Ken was a part of the team that began Benada Aluminum in Miami, Florida in 1964. Always wanting to own his own business, Ken became a partner at Briteline Extrusions in Summerville, SC in 1968. His son Ed helped build Briteline into a full-service aluminum extrusion company. In 1995, Ken bought his partner out and asked his daughter Diane to join the company to expand their Sales around the world. Grandsons Bryan Bagwell and Chris Kabine came to Briteline in 1997 building a strong third generation leadership team. Ken's legacy will live on as Briteline celebrates its 70th year in 2023 with 100 dedicated team members.

Ken's loving wife Arlene predeceased him in 2018 after 70 years of marriage. Together they were avid boaters, gardeners, and world travelers. Ken was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Survivors include his son, Edward Lee Kabine, daughter, Diane Kabine Bagwell, 3 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Friday, February 24, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, 12 21st Avenue, Isle of Palms, SC 29451. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted to www.mcalister-smith.com. Arrangements entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.

In his new role, Rohm will be responsible for total business performance, with strategic oversight of all divisions and operating companies, spanning the full breadth of the Metal Exchange portfolio and all Corporate Services departments.

Lefton said, "We are excited to announce Matt Rohm as Rick's successor. He is a veteran executive with a proven track record of effective and strategic leadership resulting from his immense experience, and we expect a seamless transition. We are confident that Matt will continue to advance Metal Exchange's position as an industry leader."

Prior to being named President and COO earlier this year, Rohm joined the Metal Exchange family as Chief Financial Officer in 2016. He previously accrued over 20 years of financial and operational leadership experience having served in positions with The Boeing Company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Energizer and SunEdison. Additionally, Rohm holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial engineering from Bradley University and an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis' Olin School of Business.

Rohm has said, "It is an honor to be asked to lead a world-class, sustainable corporation. Metal Exchange is well-positioned for continued growth, and I am proud to serve our customers, suppliers, and team members as we work together to impact our world."

Lefton went on to say, "On behalf of Metal Exchange's board of directors, I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Rick for his more than 17 years of service, which included executive leadership roles at both Pennex Aluminum Co. and Metal Exchange. During his tenure, Rick has led numerous successful growth initiatives including multiple acquisitions and facility expansions. Most importantly, he has made these achievements while reinforcing our values-driven culture and earning the admiration and respect of our employees, customers, and partners."

Merluzzi added, "I am honored to have led Metal Exchange as its CEO and am grateful for the many opportunities and experiences I've had throughout my career. I am exceedingly proud of our employees and their unwavering commitment to both our values and our customers. Given the strength of our people, and their dedication to our culture and purpose, I believe Metal Exchange is well-positioned to grow and thrive for years to come."