The world’s largest aluminum producer, UC Rusal, signed a memo of understanding with Omen High Pressure Die Casting to establish a joint venture that will produce aluminum automotive diecastings for automakers in Russia and the former Soviet states.
Rusal controls nearly 10% of the world’s aluminum capacity and 10% of the world’s alumina capacity, with integrated operations in Russia and ten other countries.
Omen High Pressure Die Casting produces aluminum and brass high-pressure diecastings at Kibbutz Hatzor, Israel. Among its automotive products are oil pump covers, fuel pump covers, oil pan support products, water outlets, cylinder head covers, water inlets, bracket AC compressors, water pump covers, valve covers, rocker arms, crankshaft support, and oil pump bodies.
The 50-50 joint venture the two companies propose would be sited at one of Rusal’s Aluminium Division West smelters in Russia, likely at Volkhov or Nadvoitsy, which are designated for casting automotive aluminum alloys.
Rusal will supply liquid aluminum alloys and Omen produce “cutting-edge automotive components,” according to a statement.
The cost of the venture was not announced, though Rusal noted the financing would be shared equally, with an option of external investment.
A final decision to proceed with the project will be made by mid summer.
‘The launch of the automotive components production joint venture is in line with our stated strategy to switch production at our Aluminium Division West smelters to value-added products, providing an excellent development opportunity in a challenging market,” stated Alexey Arnautov, UC Rusal’s director for Aluminium Division West. “The Division's smelters currently produce value-added products for Russia’s automotive industry, which has experienced strong growth in the last few years. This is a trend we expect to continue over the next 7-8 years.”