Aluminium Goes Electric

Bridgnorth Aluminium has strengthened its position in the growing electrification sector after securing a five-year supply agreement with Lotte Aluminium Materials USA.

The deal will see the Shropshire-based manufacturer supply battery-grade aluminium to the American company, one of the world’s leading suppliers of advanced battery materials. Signed at Lotte’s site in Elizabethtown, the agreement follows an extensive programme of technical development and qualification work between the two businesses.

The contract marks a significant step in Bridgnorth Aluminium’s diversification strategy as it expands further into the rapidly growing battery materials market.

Adrian Musgrave, Head of Sales at Bridgnorth Aluminium, said: “This landmark agreement marks an important milestone in our diversification strategy and will accelerate our growth within the battery materials sector.

“The transition to electrified transportation and energy storage presents one of the most significant industrial opportunities of our generation, and our technical expertise, agility and ‘green’ production methods are at the forefront of this transition.”

Material produced at the company’s production facility in Shropshire will be used by Lotte Aluminium Materials in the manufacture of next-generation batteries destined for electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Musgrave added: “Material manufactured here in Bridgnorth will be used by Lotte Aluminium Materials for the next five years. It will go into production of next generation batteries that will end up in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

“Battery foil plays a critical role in battery performance, making secure, high-quality supply partnerships like this one increasingly important to manufacturers serving both the ‘EV’ and ‘ESS’ sectors.”

The agreement caps a successful 18 months for Bridgnorth Aluminium, which has returned to 24/7 production following a challenging trading period.

Backed by the Viohalco Group, the company has strengthened its order book across sectors including printing, packaging, construction, energy and electrification. It has also expanded its workforce to 368 employees and invested more than £2 million in new cast house technology and a dedicated slitting line.

Musgrave said the investments are helping the business pursue opportunities in new markets.

“These latest upgrades have complemented our proven technical expertise in developing high quality aluminium materials and this is giving us a strong foundation to target new sectors both at home and overseas.

“We’re leveraging collaborative agreements where we get involved in the early stages of a project. This means we can influence specification and ensure the high-grade material we supply delivers the most effective performance possible.

“This is reflected in the confidence that Lotte has placed in BAL and we look forward to exploring how the partnership can support the future growth of both organisations.”