A Japanese aluminum manufacturer and a rolled aluminum supplier for heat exchangers headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, have recently signed a letter of intent as the first step in forming the joint establishment of a new production facility for sheet materials of automotive heat exchangers in North America.
Mitsubishi Aluminum Co, based in Tokyo, and Granges are negotiating the final terms of an agreement in response to a growing demand for advanced aluminum materials for brazed automotive heat exchangers in North America. Lighter-weight aluminum is becoming more popular for automotive body structures, particularly in the U.S., in order to meet stricter emissions standards. In addition, there is a demand by manufacturers of automotive heat exchangers in North America for a local supply of clad materials, i.e., composites of two or more dissimilar metal materials.
Gränges operates facilities in the U.S., China, and Sweden and holds the world’s top market share in sheet materials for automotive heat exchangers (estimated at 20%). In addition to co-founding the base in North America with Gränges, the Japanese group will consider establishing an extensive range of business partner relationships with Gränges.
“The agreement with Mitsubishi Aluminum marks a start for a long-term partnership in North America. We will leverage our strengths and together capture opportunities in the market for advanced aluminum products to mainly the automotive industry, for brazed heat exchangers but also for other products,” said Gränges CEO Johan Menckel.
“We remain focused on growing our presence in automotive heat exchanger materials in North America. We see many synergies with Gränges, most importantly, absolute focus on research and innovation to meet the growing demands of our automotive customers. We are excited and look forward to a long-term partnership with Gränges,” said Akio Hamaji, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Aluminum Co.
