12 01, 2012

U.S. Aluminum Association signs MOU with Aluminium Association of India

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00January 12th, 2012|

According to a recent article, in Metal Construction News, The Aluminum Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Aluminium Association of India. The associations agreed to cooperate in the following areas:

• Recycling: Exchange information on effective recycling programs in the transportation, packaging, and building and construction markets.
• Sustainability: Promote aluminum as a sustainable material in the transportation, packaging and building and construction markets.
• Use Market Demand Data Exchange and Report Improvement: Exchange information on end use demand in the transportation, packaging, and building and construction markets, as well as data gathering techniques to improve the timeliness and accuracy of reports.
• Health and Safety Benchmarking: Exchange information on health and safety programs to promote and improve best practices.

Click here to read the original article and learn more about the metal construction market in 2012.

3 01, 2012

Nuggets of Truth: One Manufacturer Highlights the Management of her Extrusions Business

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00January 3rd, 2012|

At Taber, we pride ourselves on being American made. As a recent article states, competition in foreign markets (China and Mexico) is always a constant consideration and choosing to remain an American made extrusion company is mark of our resilience and dedication to American innovation.

As we kick of 2012 we wanted to touch upon a recent article which features fellow American made manufacturer, Stacy Wilson of MillworX Precision Machining, who was recently interviewed regarding the ebb and flow of her company. Her responses resonated with our American made message and as such we wanted to share some nuggets of that piece that are in line with our mission at Taber.

Like MillworX Precision Machining, Taber believes that the best days are “when the customer is satisfied” and as such, we strive to offer products that go above and beyond traditional extrusion offerings. Another great point shared by Wilson is that, “To be a top-graded manufacturer you have to have a 100 percent performance record.” At Taber we pride ourselves on excellent customer service and internal performance- giving each and every client the best product possible. Lastly, we take the utmost pride in the fact that we “make complicated parts every day, that have to be touched by a lot of people.” Our teams of skilled experts are the integral facets of our business and our products celebrate their talent and skill everyday in the marketplace.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about American made extrusion companies.

30 12, 2011

Positive Predictions for Q1 2012 US Aluminum Extrusion Market

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00December 30th, 2011|

According to a recent article, the aluminum extrusion industry is in a growth period as “many remelters are sold out through January

[2012].”  Forecasters furthermore claim that “pent-up demand [for] next year’s [product]” will yield anywhere between a 10-15% increase in comparison to last year’s Q1 results.

Spikes in sales started in November and are scheduled to last into Q2. Despite this fact some business owners are weary of a potential backslide within the market but overall the majority of industry professionals do not believe this will happen. “Assuming no significant economic setback,” extrusion demand next year will be up 2-3% on the low side and 6-7%” on the high, one professional claimed.

Overall manufacturers believe “demand in 2012 [will be] even better than 2011” because “indications in the economy” are “trending in the right direction.” Especially when you look at the housing and car manufacturing industries.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about the positive predictions for Q1 2012.

20 12, 2011

Industry News: New Aluminum Smartphone & Tablet Cases Inspired by Aerospace Designs

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00December 20th, 2011|

Are you in the market for a new smartphone or tablet this Christmas? Then you’ll want to know about a new line of innovative accessories debuting this Winter by San Francisco based startup, EDGE, featuring aluminum construction.  The company is launching their “introductory line of premium accessories,” i.e. smartphone and tablet cases made out of “high-strength aluminum,” that is guaranteed to protect your tech device.

What makes these accessories innovative?

“EDGE Design’s case boasts a unique patented chassis design with a polymer band that suspends the phone or tablet inside the case, preventing the metal from shortcutting the antennas and providing shock absorption if the device is dropped.” In addition to the design- “a unique serial number is engraved in each EDGE™ case to guarantee authenticity and streamline the process of product registration, which extends the owner’s warranty from 12 to 24 months.”

While the device’s concept was devised to fill an need in the marketplace- the physical design was inspired by the classic Pininfarina car company known for “modernizing” many of “today’s

[European] cars.” The accessories will be made in the US “to ensure quality,” as the company prides itself on both the aesthetic of their products as well as their functionality. Aluminum serves as the showpiece for this new line, which is sure to be a hit in the states and abroad.

CLICK HERE to read the original article introducing these products and to learn more about EDGE’s exciting new line of tech accessories.

16 11, 2011

America Recycles Day

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00November 16th, 2011|

This Tuesday, November 14th was “America Recycles Day,” spearheaded by The Aluminum Association. Praising the material the Association said, “Aluminum’s recyclability and durability means that 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.” As one of the most recycled materials on the planet- it is also one of the most energy efficient to recycle. In fact it only “requires only 5% of the energy and saves 95% of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with primary aluminum production.”

Aluminum cans are highly recycled “with 58.1% of aluminum cans recycled in 2010” in the US.  But The Aluminum Association is looking to raise that figure to 75%.  This year’s theme, “recycle today and always,” was meant to encourage consumers to always consider recycling a priority when using said containers. Amazingly, “recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours or a 100-watt light bulb for 4 hours,” so we should all take their message to heart. And it seems like people are when you look around, suggested Heidi Brock, President of the Aluminum Association.

“The great thing for me is to see someone cross the street to use a recycle bin instead of tossing the can in the trash container next to them. Or when I see a recycling bin that’s larger than the trash bin,” said Brock.  “That’s how we know we are getting the message out and people are listening.  We are all in this together.”

Anyone interested in recycling at their home or business can learn more about aluminum can recycling by visiting the following sites: www.aluminum.org/can and www.Earth911.org.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about “America Recycles Day.”

26 10, 2011

Public Art Project Chooses to Use Aluminum to Spread Positive Messages

2017-01-26T23:37:31+00:00October 26th, 2011|

In conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month a new public art project in Lexington, Kentucky went on display on October 22nd in honor of domestic violence survivors, showcasing their strength and courage. Entitled, Tiles for Relief, the public art project was comprised of poured melted aluminum, shaped by molds- made of sand and resin. “After cooling, the molds will break away and the individual tiles will be put together to form a mural.” The 100-piece tile mural represents designs by survivors participating in the Bluegrass Domestic Violence Program and the Violence Intervention and Prevention Center at the University of Kentucky. The project was developed by Niah Soult, an art therapist at Bluegrass who says the mural “depicts a woman in mid-scream.” Soult says the women felt like the image recalls what “relief” can look like for survivors.

The Centers partnered with local non-profit, Sculpture Trails Traveling Foundry, who was in charge of pouring the hot aluminum into the molds. Guests gathered on the 22nd to witness the 1,500 degree liquid metal be transformed into tiles. Project organizers have been searching for “a highly visible spot near downtown” for the work to be located but have yet to find one ever since the original location fell through. Finding a permanent home for the work is key suggested Bluegrasses’ executive director, Darlene Thomas, who explained that domestic violence survivors struggle with feelings of alienation, so to have a physical place for the community to gather would be of the upmost significance. In closing, Thomas reflected on their choice of material, stating that the durability and longevity of aluminum was as much a symbolic choice as a literal one, in that the material’s physical assets reflected the resilience of survivors.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about this community project.

20 10, 2011

“Aluminum Man” Video Goes Viral & We Like IT!

2017-01-26T23:37:32+00:00October 20th, 2011|

Dare I ask, Is the ‘Aluminum Man’ video good for the industry? While the video was created as a jovial stunt it does offer up facts about aluminum. Lyrics describe the main character, Aluminum Man, as “light as a feather” and “recyclable;” all positive descriptions of the material.

The video’s creator, Richard Heene, has made previous viral spoofs that garnered he and his family international public attention, not all of which has been entirely positive. But with estimates that aluminum stocks will rise in the 4th Quarter after what some might call a rough and unpredictable year, there’s little point in not bobbing along to the song which in its best moments praises the material for both its fanciful and practical purposes. So while the Huffington Post may not understand why Heene as contributed yet another stunt to his repertoire of joke videos and what the world could possibly learn from it- we’re bobbing along and yes…singing it praises.

CLICK HERE to read the original video and to watch the video or HERE to learn more about aluminum’s predicted stock gain in 2011’s 4th Quarter.

17 10, 2011

Evaluating Craft Beer’s Switch to Aluminum Cans

2017-01-26T23:37:32+00:00October 17th, 2011|

In “Is Craft Beer’s Move to Aluminum a Dirty Choice?” John Heylin weighs the pros and cons of the newest trend in craft beer packing: aluminum cans. Helyin argues that the move to aluminum packaging is a reflection of consumer demand, as more craft beer drinkers are active and prefer containers that do not break as easily as glass. Helyin also cites the unbreakable nature of aluminum as an additional benefit to the manufacturer, who often looses product when working with glass. And if this wasn’t enough, aluminum is of benefit to distributors as it’s lighter and less expensive to ship. So why is Helyin so against the industry’s new trend?

While Helyin feels the craft beer market established itself on a green, organic image which they are moving away from by using mainstream method’s of manufacturing, packaging and shipping, his main concerns were the processes used to acquire the material from the earth. But the fact remains that aluminum is better for beer. Seeing that it’s nearly 100% recyclable, cans costs less to manufacture than glass, have a longer shelf life – creating less waste and above all, are a better preserver of quality and taste, all seem to trump his environmental focus. While Helyin’s points should not be dismissed as it is always important to consider the costs of mining the earth, it is also necessary to consider what material is best suited for a product that will undoubtedly be around until the end of time. Watch Inc.’s “New Product Trend: Craft Beer in a Can” video below to learn about the first USA brewer to use aluminum and positive ways it has affected the production and use of the product.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about craft beer’s switch to aluminum cans.

CLICK HERE to watch Inc.’s video about the first brewing company in America to use aluminum cans and the many ways it’s benefiting to the industry.

7 10, 2011

Predicted Demands for Aluminum Encourage Industry Growth

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00October 7th, 2011|

Canada’s top aluminum companies will be investing 15 billion in facility enhancement and job creation in Quebec over the next decade based on “rising global demand” for the material. The need for new transportation systems like buses and subway cars that can be recycled and repaired for less cost when made with aluminum, and the widening call for bridge repair in North America, have enticed Quebec companies to invest heavily in the future of the industry.

Many facts point to an increase in aluminum use in the next 10 years.  For starters there are approximately “250,000 older bridges in the United States and 3,000 in Quebec in need of repair.” In addition to that fact aluminum is more “cost effective [than] steel,” has a longer life cycle and when used in vehicles reduces their weight, therefore decreasing wear and tear on roads and bridges. In light of these details it will be easy market the material to current and future manufacturers as it is the greener alternative to other materials, like steel.

Canadian companies celebrate their “cheap hydroelectric energy costs and a trained workforce” as advantages that can only be further enhanced with their new investment. Ultimately the goal for the Canadians is to retaining industry expertise in the province and there’s no doubt their headed in the right direction.

CLICK HERE to read the original article and learn more about the expanded demand for aluminum.

28 09, 2011

iPhone’s New (Aluminum) Design Has the Potential to Change the Smartphone Market

2015-06-18T15:33:40+00:00September 28th, 2011|

It is rumored by a Wall Street analyst that the newly redesigned iPhone 5 will have an all-new aluminum back, replacing the existing glass back of the iPhone4.  The newly issued iPhone4 is also predicted to have a new uniform aluminum design.  Two key advantages to their use of this new material are its lightweight and durability. Beyond this- the cost to produce the phone will be dramatically reduced allowing Apple to see more profit based on their use of this new material.

“The two anticipated new iPhone models are expected by analyst Chris Whitmore with Deutsche Bank to push Apple’s smartphone sales even higher. He sees the so-called ‘iPhone 4S’ as a handset with a bill-of-material cost lower than $150, allowing Apple to sell it for between $300 and $350 without a carrier subsidy.”

Whitmore claims this cut in manufacturing cost will enhance Apple’s sales in the midrange smartphone market, possibly achieving margins up to 50 percent.  The lower cost of the materials will undoubtedly generate more profit for Apple and be a better product for consumers.

Initial reports concerning iPhone’s new design first came out in March of 2011 but for now exact details are still under wraps. One thing for sure, these reports suggest aluminum will be the key material that will change the “face” of the midrange smartphone market.

Click here to read the full article from Apple Insider.

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