Companies to cooperate on design, production of new, advanced
forgings and extruded products
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia & NEW YORK–Alcoa (NYSE:AA) and VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation, the world’s largest
titanium producer, announced today they have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the design and production of
innovative light alloy die forgings and extrusions for the commercial
transportation market, including solutions for light-weight rail car
production.
“Alcoa and VSMPO-AVISMA are both world leaders in the development of
advanced technologies, and by working together we can create exceptional
products of superior quality,” said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Klaus
Kleinfeld. “We fully expect that this collaboration will let us leverage
our existing product portfolios and research in a mutually beneficial
manner. I am excited to have VSMPO-AVISMA as a partner, as it shares
Alcoa’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable
manufacturing practices.”
Commenting on the Memorandum signing, Sergei Chemezov, Chairman
of the Board of Directors, VSMPO-AVISMA and Head of ‘Rustechnology’,
said: “This document confirms our striving for mutually beneficial
cooperation. This means joining efforts with the world-wide
technological leader of the aluminum industry in the development and
production of light-alloy high-tech products for commercial transport.
Those products are in high demand both in Russia and in the world
because their application provides significant savings and meets the
latest environmental requirements. I believe joint work will generate
innovative solutions that will find use in various branches of industry.”
Mikhail Voevodin, General Director, VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation said: “I am
confident that cooperation between VSMPO-AVISMA and Alcoa will result in
significant accomplishments, yielding new solutions in the commercial
transportation industry.”
One result of the MoU may be the development of wide (up to 700 mm or
27.5 inches) and long (up to 26 meters or 85 feet) extrusions made of
advanced aluminum alloys designed for passenger and freight cars,
including next- generation high-speed rail for the Russian market. These
aluminium products will increase the energy efficiency and reduce the
carbon footprint of rail cars through light-weighting and the infinite
recyclability of aluminum.
Alcoa and VSMPO-AVISMA will form working teams to coordinate the
execution of projects resulting from this MoU. The MoU does not signal
the establishment of a joint venture, partnership or any other formal
business entity between the parties.
About Alcoa
Alcoa is the world’s leading producer of primary and fabricated
aluminum, as well as the world’s largest miner of bauxite and refiner of
alumina. In addition to inventing the modern-day aluminum industry,
Alcoa innovation has been behind major milestones in the aerospace,
automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation, consumer electronics and industrial markets over the
past 120 years. Among the solutions Alcoa markets are flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, as well as Alcoa® wheels,
fastening systems, precision and investment castings, and building
systems in addition to its expertise in other light metals such as
titanium and nickel-based super alloys. Sustainability is an integral
part of Alcoa’s operating practices and the product design and
engineering it provides to customers. Alcoa has been a member of the Dow
Jones Sustainability Index for nine consecutive years and approximately
75 percent of all of the aluminum ever produced since 1888 is still in
active use today. Alcoa employs approximately 59,000 people in 31
countries across the world.
Alcoa first entered Russia in 1993. In 2005 the company acquired
two fabricating facilities in Samara and Belaya Kalitva. Since 2005
Alcoa has invested over $750 million to upgrade its Russian facilities.
More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
, www.alcoa.ru
About VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation
VSMPO-AVISMA is the world’s largest manufacturer of titanium ingots and
semifinished titanium alloys. It also produces large-size extruded
products made of aluminum alloys, semifinished products made of alloyed
steel and nickel-base heat-resistant alloys.
Partners of VSMPO-AVISMA are the leading world aircraft manufacturers,
including Boeing, Airbus, SNECMA, Rolls Royce and Pratt&Whitney. In
total, more than 300 firms in 48 worldwide countries. VSMPO-AVISMA has
more than 300 international certificates on quality management systems,
manufacturing plans and inspection plans, and various kinds of titanium
and other alloy products.
VSMPO-AVISMA is deeply integrated into the world aerospace industry and
is the basic strategic supplier of titanium products to many companies.