Indian aluminium smelter Vedanta Ltd. announced last week the launch of its Primary Foundry Alloy (PFA) which it will utilize to produce aluminium alloy for India’s automotive sector.
Making the announcement at last week’s 59th Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Annual Convention 2019, Vedanta’s dedicated 240 thousand metric ton per annum aluminium alloy foundry will become India’s first such foundry, as Indian producers have imported the entirety of aluminium alloys for automotive applications up to now.
Vedanta’s project is in alignment with the Indian government’s “Make in India” campaign, which is a push by domestic firms to utilize domestically-sourced raw materials when possible.
Vedanta’s CEO of Aluminium and Power Ajay Kapur noted the distinct advantages to all parties provided by the aluminium alloy foundry.
“As a long-term strategy, we are adopting various measures to serve the growing demand of our Indian customers. With the introduction of the Primary Foundry Alloy, we have expanded our product portfolio that will enhance our reach to the end customers and allow us to become a significant player in the product value chain in the automotive industry. We believe the new product will not only support the auto sector but also help reduce India’s import bill.”
Vedanta indicates that the PFA will be utilized to produce aluminium alloy for use in making alloy wheels. Penetration of aluminium alloy wheels into the Indian market is stunted due to the high cost of imported aluminium alloy. However, Vedanta’s PFA is expected to supply the country with an excellent source of aluminium alloy for wheels, which includes silicon and magnesium.
In addition, Vedanta says its aluminium alloys are a cut above those offered by other producers thanks to their use of superior technology and rigorous quality control measures. The firm says it also offers unparalleled bespoke aluminium that is customized for its clients’ needs.