Jun 20 2007
They may come from very different sectors, but executives attending the Novelis Europe Innovation Days event on June 12 and 13 had one thing in common: the desire to see first-hand how the world's largest aluminium rolled products company can help create value for them through innovation and materials expertise.
Hosted by the Automotive, Painted and Specialities division of Novelis Europe at the company's rolling mill in Sierre, Switzerland, the event demonstrated how Novelis FusionTM technology, Novelis paint systems and other aluminium rolled products can help improve or create the next generation of high-performance aluminium solutions.
Representatives from companies in the automotive, building and engineering sectors attended sessions on a range of topics including:
- Novelis FusionTM technology – recent applications and new product offerings (including brazing and automotive sheet); global production capabilities
- Automotive – new surface treatments for bonding of structural components
- Painted – latest innovations such as Stainless Color, Luminous Color, and nano-technology for painted surfaces
- Industrial and Specialities – new bright surface developments and product ideas for anodising applications
- Laser blanking capabilities for automotive sheet
Feedback was very positive. Walter Pacher, managing director of Prefa, one of Europe's leading manufacturers and marketers of aluminium roofing, said: “Novelis has developed a reputation for bringing innovative ideas to the market quickly and this week's event demonstrates that very clearly.”
Dr. Ing Bernd Gruenenwald, director Material and Joining Technology, Behr GmbH & Co. KG, Stuttgart, the globally-respected manufacturer of automotive air conditioning and engine cooling systems, added: “I am particularly excited by the huge potential offered by Novelis FusionTM, which opens up many possibilities for heat exchanger products tailored to our precise needs.”
Arnaud de Weert, president of Novelis Europe said: “This event is all about value: creating value for our customers and creating value for Novelis by being the first to bring breakthrough solutions to the market. We are delighted by the response and look forward to our next innovation event.”