NOVI, MI — Automotive aluminium supplier Alcan Automotive has opened a new manufacturing facility in Novi, Mich. The new plant is first phase of Alcan’s North American expansion. A sister facility is also under construction in Saguenay, Quebec.
The two plants represent a $30-million investment to serve the growing lightweight structural sub-system market in North America, said Dale Ewing, general manager for Automotive Structures North America — part of Alcan’s Engineered Products group.
“Locating this first plant in Novi places us conveniently close to our OEM customers in the Detroit area so that we can provide our expertise inproduct development and assist them with component design,” said Ewing. “Placing our second plant in Quebec allows us to be close to the resources and manufacturing expertise that Alcan has in the Saguenay region. Together, the two facilities provide a strong and responsive supply base for our customers.”
The new facility in Novi will be Alcan’s first North American structural components production site. The site will also house an administrative center for sales, manufacturing, engineering and research and development for sheet products as well as structural components. The company said production in Novi will begin within the next 90 days; the Saguenay plant will be operational later this year.
The two plants are part of a long-term plan to bring Alcan’s expertise in lightweight structural assemblies to North America. Both plants initially will produce advanced aluminium bumper-beam assemblies for vehicles made in North America by U.S. and Europe-based automakers. The new plants will also produce various structural sub-systems such as instrument-panel supports, engine cradles and sub-frames, as well as bumper systems.
For more information, go to: www.alcanautomotive.com.
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