The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology

Rusal acquires Aluminium Rheinfelden

(Posted on 20/04/21)

Rusal, a leading global aluminium producer, has announced that it has successfully completed the acquisition of Aluminium Rheinfelden GmbH (“Aluminium Rheinfelden”) following approval by the German Federal Cartel Office and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.

The transaction ensures that operations can continue and delivers job security for more than 200 highly qualified employees of Aluminium Rheinfelden. The acquisition reinforces RUSAL’s position as the supplier of choice to its international network of automotive customers and is expected to deliver strong commercial synergies by matching Aluminium Rheinfelden’s high end, niche product focus with RUSAL’s global scale low-carbon aluminium alloy production. Eric Martinet, Automotive and Transportation Director at RUSAL has been announced as the new CEO of Aluminium Rheinfelden.

As part of its long-term growth strategy, RUSAL intends to invest in and rebuild the Aluminium Rheinfelden businesses and to deliver a new generation of sustainable aluminium solutions that can be produced at scale in combination with RUSAL’s smelters. RUSAL’s low-carbon aluminium ALLOW is industry leading in terms of its sustainability profile, an important differentiating factor especially for the automotive industry, where reducing the carbon footprint of automotive components marks a key strategic goal. Together with Aluminium Rheinfelden, RUSAL can go even further in producing innovative, value-added products for a variety of growth industries. Aluminium Rheinfelden will continue to operate under its well-known brands.

Roman Andryushin, Sales and Marketing Director at RUSAL, said: “We are very pleased that we have completed the acquisition today where we have not only been able to save a traditional German company, but can also offer Aluminium Rheinfelden and its employees a promising future under the umbrella of RUSAL. We are aware of our responsibility as a new shareholder and partner of Aluminium Rheinfelden and look forward to the future with confidence where our joint market presence will create shareholder value, stability and growth for the Company. Not only does the transaction secure the future of all three business units of Aluminium Rheinfelden, but also, the Company's customers will benefit from RUSAL’s low-carbon aluminium ALLOW and from the breakthrough inert anode technology, which drives the industry into a new chapter of carbon-free aluminium.”

Eric Martinet, CEO of Aluminium Rheinfelden, added: “Operating within RUSAL will allow Aluminium Rheinfelden to unleash its full potential and to scale-up its operations. As part of a well-capitalised business with a global scale, Aluminium Rheinfelden can now build up its footprint in its existing core automotive sector and target new market niches, thus further strengthening our combined market position. Importantly, our customers will benefit from access to a reliable supply of high-quality, aluminium products with the lowest carbon footprint. I am pleased to welcome the Aluminium Rheinfelden management team alongside the Company’s excellent employees and look forward to working together.”

Founded in 1898, Aluminium Rheinfelden is one of Germany’s leading manufacturers of aluminium alloys, semis and carbon-based components and a major supplier to the global automotive and mechanical engineering sectors as well as pharmaceutical and metallurgy industries.