ABB has received an order from aluminium producer Arconic for a fifth ABB electromagnetic stirrer (AL‑EMS) for its rolling mill and casthouse operation in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. It builds on four successful installations delivered on the same site since 2023, and will improve furnace efficiency, productivity and operational reliability. The order was booked in the first quarter of 2026. Financial details were not disclosed.
The new AL-EMS will be installed on a 52-metric-ton aluminium melting furnace, with commissioning planned for early 2027. Arconic produces a wide range of rolled aluminium products for the automotive, construction, aerospace, packaging and electronics markets. Efficient casthouse operations play a key role in a reliable supply chain by supporting downstream manufacturing worldwide.
The repeat order follows Arconic’s decision to replace aging stirring technologies across its casthouse furnaces due to insufficient stirring performance and frequent maintenance requirements. ABB’s AL‑EMS systems were selected to resolve operational inefficiencies experienced by furnace operators, including elimination of channel wall stirring and related clogging issues, while also delivering measurable improvements in reliability and efficiency.
“Our operations team has proven with the ABB AL-EMS equipment already installed on site that they can reach stable production levels on the furnaces that range between 30 and 60 metric tons,” said Csaba Oravecz, Project Manager, Arconic. We now have great confidence in operations and maintenance schedules, with stronger stirring, melt uniformity and batch cycle times, resulting in quality, on-specification final product. We look forward to continued success following our fifth installation.”
The customer previously reported that maintenance requirements have been significantly reduced using ABB AL‑EMS technology, cutting downtime by around ten days per furnace per year, while dross removal is faster and safer – taking around 50 percent less time than before. Other improvements include more productive furnace operation with enhanced temperature homogenization, faster alloy dissolution and reduced gas consumption.
“We have a successful ongoing partnership with Arconic and this repeat order further shows the capabilities of our technology and expertise in solving real operational challenges for aluminium producers,” said Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager, Metals & Power Conversion, ABB’s Process Industries division. “They have trusted us to deliver and will see the improved productivity, energy and safety improvements once this installation is complete.”
All five ABB AL‑EMS units at the Hungary site are side‑mounted and liquid‑cooled, demonstrating that strong and uniform stirring can be achieved even in retrofit applications where space constraints prevent bottom‑mounted installations.
ABB supports aluminium producers worldwide with advanced electrification, automation and digital solutions. Its portfolio includes electromagnetic stirring, casting, rolling and heat treatment technologies designed to improve productivity, energy efficiency and product quality, while enhancing safety and operational reliability in demanding metals applications.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~26,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/automation
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