The agreements provide approximately 4.8 TWh of electricity between 2028 and 2031, offering a predictable energy framework for one of Norway’s key aluminium production facilities. The move comes shortly after Alcoa successfully completed the restart of Production Line 2 at the Lista plant, restoring 31,000 tonnes of annual production capacity and bringing the facility to its full nameplate capacity of 95,000 tonnes per year.

The restart marked a significant milestone for Alcoa’s Norwegian operations, strengthening the company’s industrial footprint in the region. Reliable and competitively priced power remains a critical factor for maintaining production and ensuring continued investment in energy-intensive industries such as aluminium manufacturing.

“Restarting operations at Lista was an important milestone for us, and access to stable power is absolutely essential for taking the next step,” said Tor Arne Berg, Operations Manager at Alcoa Lista.

The agreements also underline the importance of predictable regulatory conditions and long-term energy availability for Norwegian industry. According to Statkraft, the partnership contributes to continued industrial activity and value creation in Southwest Norway while supporting the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing.

The post Alcoa Secures Long-Term Power Supply for Lista Aluminium Plant Through New Statkraft Agreements appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The thermally broken aluminium system has established itself as a popular choice in the UK market thanks to its combination of performance, adaptability, and ease of fabrication. PAS24 accredited and available in Part L compliant configurations, including High Insulation (HI) variants, the 58BW is suitable for both replacement and new-build applications.

One of the system’s key advantages is its versatility. Fabricators can produce top-hung and side-hung casements, tilt-and-turn windows, pivot windows, bay windows, French windows, and inward-opening designs using the same core system. The availability of chamfered, ovolo, and flush sash options allows installers to meet varying architectural preferences, from contemporary developments to more traditional properties.

The platform also extends into the heritage sector through the 58BW ST variant, which replicates the appearance of traditional steel windows while delivering modern thermal and security performance. This broadens opportunities for fabricators looking to enter refurbishment and conservation-led projects.

Beyond design flexibility, the use of a single system across multiple project types can simplify stock management, streamline production, and improve operational efficiency. Reduced complexity in fabrication often leads to fewer errors, lower waste levels, and more consistent lead times.

With extensive colour options and applications ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings, the 58BW continues to provide fabricators and installers with a practical solution for serving diverse market demands while maintaining efficient production processes.

The post AluK’s 58BW System Continues to Expand Opportunities Across Multiple Market Segments appeared first on GlassBalkan.

Having relied on Emmegi machinery for decades, 3D Aluminium selected the Phantomatic X4 as part of its strategy to increase production capacity, enhance machining capabilities, and support future growth. The investment reflects the company’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality aluminium curtain walling, doors, and window systems for commercial projects.

The Phantomatic X4 is designed for demanding fabrication applications, featuring a 7kW high-torque electrospindle and an eight-position tool magazine capable of handling heavy-duty machining operations. Its 4-axis technology enables machining on multiple sides of a profile without repositioning, improving efficiency and accuracy. The machine also accommodates bar lengths of up to eight metres, making it well suited to curtain walling and large-profile fabrication.

Integrated software automatically positions vice units according to workpiece dimensions, while a movable 15-inch touchscreen interface provides operators with a user-friendly and intuitive control system.

According to 3D Aluminium, the new machining centre will help improve productivity, maintain consistent quality standards, reduce lead times, and strengthen confidence among commercial clients.

Paul Batts, Operations Director at 3D Aluminium, stated that the investment represents a new chapter in the company’s commitment to precision engineering, operational efficiency, and manufacturing excellence.

The post Emmegi (UK) Strengthens Long-Term Partnership with 3D Aluminium Through New CNC Investment appeared first on GlassBalkan.

Aluminium scrap plays a critical role in supplying key sectors including defence, clean energy, digital technologies, and automotive manufacturing. However, growing volumes of exported scrap are creating concerns over the long-term availability of recycled aluminium for UK industry.

Make UK reports that aluminium scrap exports have increased by 84% over the past decade, reducing the material available for domestic processing and threatening future industrial resilience. In 2024–25, exports to the United States rose dramatically after aluminium scrap was excluded from Section 232 tariff measures, increasing from 2,000 tonnes to 24,000 tonnes, a 990% surge. During the same period, approximately 200,000 tonnes were exported to India, while a further 173,500 tonnes were shipped to Hong Kong and China.

According to Make UK, domestic industry could require up to 6 million tonnes of recyclable aluminium scrap to support an overall aluminium demand of 8 million tonnes by 2035, as outlined in the UK’s Critical Minerals Strategy and Modern Industrial Strategy.

Daniel Paterson, Director of Sector Specialisms at Make UK, warned that continued growth in scrap exports could force manufacturers to relocate production closer to scrap sources in the UK and EU, resulting in lost investment, jobs, and supply chain resilience.

The post UK Aluminium Recycling Capacity Must Grow 25% Annually, Says Make UK appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The challenge forms part of EGA’s Engineer the Future programme, which encourages young people to apply STEM knowledge to real-world industrial and societal challenges. This year’s competition attracted approximately 1,200 students representing 352 teams from 105 schools across the UAE.

Over a four-month period, students in grades 9 to 12 worked on aluminium-based solutions with guidance from EGA engineers, gaining access to technical resources and industry expertise. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 32 teams were shortlisted to present their projects across four categories: architecture, product design, sustainable mobility, and space solutions.

The first-place winners were Al Shwamekh School in architecture, Fatima Al Zahraa Secondary School for Girls in product design, Al Rushed American Private School in space solutions, and Zayed Educational Complex – Al Saf in future mobility.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of EGA, praised the students for demonstrating creativity, technical thinking, and ambition, highlighting the importance of STEM education in supporting the UAE’s industrial growth and future competitiveness.

The Ministry of Education also emphasized the value of the challenge as a model for collaboration between education and industry, helping students develop critical thinking, teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

The post EGA Announces Winners of 2026 Aluminium Design and Innovation Challenge appeared first on GlassBalkan.

Aluminum futures recently traded near $3,600 per metric ton, marking a gain of approximately 47% compared to the same period last year. During the past 12 months, prices have climbed from lows around $2,450 per metric ton to nearly $3,800 per metric ton, reflecting a significant tightening of the global market.

Several factors are contributing to the rally. Supply concerns have intensified following geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a key region for global aluminum production. Market participants are closely monitoring potential disruptions to smelter operations, shipping routes, and raw material supplies. At the same time, energy costs remain a major concern, as aluminum production is highly electricity-intensive.

Demand fundamentals have also remained strong. The global push toward electrification, renewable energy projects, electric vehicles, and large-scale infrastructure investments continues to support aluminum consumption. Construction activity in several regions, particularly projects involving sustainable and energy-efficient building envelopes, is further boosting demand for aluminum-based systems.

For the glass and façade industry, the rise in aluminum prices has direct consequences. Aluminum profiles represent a significant portion of the cost of windows, doors, curtain walls, skylights, and façade systems. Manufacturers may face increased production expenses, while contractors and developers could encounter higher procurement costs and longer lead times.

Industry analysts suggest that aluminum prices could remain elevated throughout the second half of 2026 if supply risks persist and inventories remain constrained. Some forecasts indicate that prices could approach or even exceed $4,000 per metric ton under a prolonged supply shortage scenario.

As a result, companies throughout the glass, façade, and fenestration supply chain are closely monitoring market developments, reviewing procurement strategies, and seeking ways to improve efficiency while managing material cost volatility.

The post Aluminum Prices Surge in 2026 as Supply Concerns Drive Market Higher appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The publication features Reynaers’ contemporary product portfolio, including the ConceptPatio, MasterPatio, HiFinity, ConceptFolding, ConceptSystem and SlimLine ranges. Detailed performance information covers thermal efficiency, security and acoustic performance, helping homeowners compare system benefits and understand their suitability for different residential applications.

Sustainability is a key focus of the brochure, highlighting Reynaers’ 15 Cradle to Cradle-certified systems. Featured products such as SlimLine 38 windows and doors, MasterPatio and HiFinity are designed according to circular economy principles, supporting lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.

The brochure also showcases a variety of design options, including colours, finishes, handles and opening configurations. To enhance durability and long-term appearance, Reynaers now supplies its systems with a Class 2 Qualicoat paint finish as standard, offering improved UV resistance and weathering performance.

The post Reynaers Aluminium UK Launches Contemporary Collection Brochure appeared first on GlassBalkan.

While the construction boom presents substantial growth potential, developers face challenging environmental conditions. Buildings must withstand hurricanes, tropical storms, intense rainfall, and high levels of marine corrosion caused by constant exposure to salt-laden air. These factors have increased demand for advanced façade, window, and door systems capable of delivering long-term durability and safety.

To address these requirements, Aluprof has adapted several of its aluminium systems for use in hurricane-prone regions. A notable example is the MB-77HS lift-and-slide door system, which was modified to meet strict structural and performance standards. The solution underwent testing at Aluprof’s Research and Innovation Centre and was subsequently verified at the Molimo research facility in the United States.

The company’s products have also been assessed under the Florida Product Approval programme, a recognised certification framework for construction materials used in areas exposed to extreme weather. Testing evaluates resistance to strong wind loads, flying debris, water penetration, and other conditions associated with tropical storms.

Aluprof’s systems have already been specified for several prominent developments on Sint Maarten, including Aqua Resort, Mullet 14, The Hills Residence, and Dolce Beach Residence. The projects reflect the growing demand for high-performance building envelope solutions as the Caribbean hospitality and residential sectors continue to expand.

The post Aluprof Strengthens Caribbean Presence with Hurricane-Resistant Building Systems appeared first on GlassBalkan.

SEFPRO, formerly known as Monofrax, is a long-established manufacturer of fused-cast refractory materials used in glass melting furnaces and other high-temperature industrial applications. The company’s product portfolio includes high-zirconia, alumina, and chrome-based refractories that serve glass manufacturers worldwide.

According to company officials, the closure will affect only the AZS production line, while other manufacturing activities at the Falconer facility will continue. Saint-Gobain stated that the decision followed a thorough review of its business priorities and long-term operational strategy.

“This will not impact every product line at Falconer, and the facility will continue the production of its remaining product lines,” the company said, adding that it is committed to supporting affected employees throughout the transition process.

The announcement comes amid a challenging market environment for Saint-Gobain. In its first-quarter 2026 financial results, the company reported a 2.3% decline in sales, citing unfavorable weather conditions across North America and Europe during the early months of the year. North American sales experienced a sharper decline of 11.3%, reflecting continued weakness in regional construction and industrial markets.

Saint-Gobain has indicated that it expects market conditions in North America to remain difficult during the first half of 2026, prompting ongoing efforts to streamline operations and focus resources on key business segments.

The post Saint-Gobain to End Alumina-Zirconia-Silica Production at New York Facility appeared first on GlassBalkan.

The system is aimed at loft-style developments, renovated factory buildings, and contemporary projects seeking an industrial aesthetic. Slim aluminum profiles, characteristic glazing divisions, and proportions inspired by historic steel windows help create the distinctive look associated with former industrial architecture.

Based on Aluprof’s established MB-79N platform, the MB-79N INDUSTRIAL system provides the same technical performance as the standard version. This includes high levels of thermal insulation, improved airtightness, and enhanced user comfort, helping buildings meet current energy-efficiency and performance requirements.

Compared with older steel window structures, the new system offers greater durability, lower maintenance needs, and improved functionality while preserving the visual character of industrial-style façades.

The post Aluprof Introduces MB-79N INDUSTRIAL Windows: Modern Performance with Industrial Character appeared first on GlassBalkan.