Staff and invited guests came together on June 12 to mark the inauguration of a modernized production line and the introduction of solar energy at Alumetal’s Kęty recycling plant in Poland. The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Ambassador of Norway, Øystein Bø, and the Deputy Mayor of Kęty, Mr. Marcin Blok. The President of the Management Board of Alumetal, Agnieszka Drzyżdżyk, also read a congratulatory letter from the Voivode of Lesser Poland, Mr. Krzysztof Klęczar.
Both projects are parts of a larger expansion and modernization program of the Kęty plant. The modern production line increases the plant’s annual capacity from 85,000 to 115,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium and strengthens Alumetal’s capaboility to deliver low-carbon foundry alloy products to the automotive market. 50 percent of the investment costs in the new production line are covered by public funds in the form of income tax exemption.
“This is another milestone achievement for Alumetal, delivered on time and below budget. I’m very impressed with the team's dedication and ability to maintain production continuity while modernizing the plant and maintaining the safety of all those involved,” says Anders Stenhagen, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Alumetal Group.
Works began at the turn of 2023/2024 with dismantling and demolition of the old facilities while maintaining operations in the parts of the pant not affected by the modernization project. Construction work started in May 2024, and by fall it was possible to start assembly of the new, energy-efficient line. The first test casting took place on March 5 before the official permit for use become formally binding.
In addition, the event marked the introduction of solar energy in Kety. The new photovoltaic farm adjacent to the plant has a capacity of 1.132 MWh, or around 15 percent of the plant’s total energy needs, and will allow the plant to switch parts of its energy supply to local, homegrown renewable energy. When not used by the plant, excessive electricity will flow into the local power grid to provide nearby homes, businesses and other facilities with clean energy.
“The solar panels at Kęty are another important milestone for Alumetal. The use of local, onsite energy production will increase energy efficiency, improve circularity at our plant, lower the carbon footprint of our products, and benefit the local community,” says Agnieszka Drzyżdżyk, CEO of Alumetal.
