Atlanta’s rolled aluminium firm Novelis Inc. commissioned its new US$35-million automotive Customer Solution Center (CSC) in suburban Detroit yesterday. The new CSC joins Novelis’s other such centers around the world to shorten the time to market of automotive aluminium solutions by collaborating with Tier 1 suppliers and automakers.
The new CSC in Novi, Michigan joins Novelis’ global CSC network, which consists of similar such centers in Stuttgart, Germany, and Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. The approximately 100 employees at the center are experts in research and technology, technical development, and commercial support and are available to showcase the latest aluminium products that are aimed at reducing weight, carbon footprint, and cost.
Philippe Meyer, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Novelis Inc., said in a press release that the new CSC will go far in speeding the adoption of new and better aluminium materials.
“Novelis’ network of Customer Solution Centers is a centerpiece of our purpose, which is shaping a sustainable world together. As a leading automotive aluminum supplier, this investment will strengthen the partnerships we have with our customers and ensure that innovative, low-carbon aluminum adoption continues to grow across the world.”
Olga Alavanou, Vice President Automotive, Novelis North America, said that the new CSC was a big step for the firm.
“Today marks an important milestone for our dedicated and talented team of automotive aluminum experts in Novi. This facility perfectly represents who we are, and we are thrilled to use it to partner with our customers every step of the way as they design exciting, next generation vehicles.”
Jamie Zinser, Vice President, Global Automotive, Novelis, noted that the new center gave positive signals to the worldwide automotive sector.
“In an era of increasing complexity in the global automotive marketplace, these centers confirm that Novelis is prepared to partner with our customers across the world. Whether it is aluminum door research in Novi or electrification advancements in Shanghai, Novelis aims to innovate alongside our customers every step of the way.”
Novelis is a subsidiary of Mumbai’s Hindalco Industries Ltd. Based in Atlanta, the firm accounts for almost half of Hindalco’s consolidated revenue. The world’s largest recycler of aluminium, Novelis conducts operations in ten different countries, employs around eleven thousand people, and reported US$17.1 billion in net sales for the most recent fiscal year.