Aluminium producer and recycler Novelis to modernise with ABB

Novelis Inc. have announced they will be working with ABB to upgrade its third-party drives and controls system as part of a brownfield modernisation project at its hot rolling mill in Oswego, New York, USA.

To futureproof the mill, ABB is replacing obsolete and outdated equipment with new switchgears, transformers, medium voltage drives, medium voltage synchronous motors, motor control centers and auxiliary controls, all integrated with the facility’s existing non-ABB control system. This will support Novelis’ ambitions for increased power capacity and reliability. Commissioning of the upgrade is expected by the end of 2023.

The Oswego mill was the company’s first US operation mill and, today, is the company’s largest wholly owned fabrication facility in North America. It produces high-quality aluminium sheet for the automotive, beverage can, and building and construction markets. Novelis is also the world’s largest recycler of aluminium and seeks sustainability commitments from its supply chain as its customers look for environmentally friendly and circular aluminium products.

“In order to continue to provide our customers with the highest quality, sustainable aluminium sheet, and do so reliably, we are focused on increasingly optimising our production output,” said Ganesh Panneer, Vice President of Operations, Novelis North America. “ABB is helping to ensure that we continue to have the highest levels of availability in our processes. The expertise of the ABB metals team, together with their commitments on providing the latest, most energy efficient products, will secure Oswego’s future as we maintain our leading position.”

“We’re proud to support Novelis in meeting their production targets, which promote efficient use of energy and other resources,” said Siraj Boudighar, Sales Manager North America for Metals, Process Industries, ABB. “By leveraging our long-term experience and in-depth knowledge of metals industry processes, including more than 400 references for modernisation projects since the year 2000, we are able to tailor technology packages that meet the specific needs of each customer.”