Latem Aluminium started operation of a new rotary furnace for recycling of aluminum scrap at its new facility in Villadangos, Spain. The new 30 ton furnace replaces an existing 12 ton furnace, enabling the company to produce 30,000 tons per year of secondary aluminum.
The new 30 ton tilting rotary furnace from GHI Smart Furnaces is designed to recover aluminum from low quality scrap (lacquered, painted, etc.). With this in mind, the furnace is able to produce significantly less waste contaminants compared to traditional rotary furnaces. In addition, the furnace geometry facilitates the easy emptying and cleaning of dross.
Formed in 2018, Latem Aluminium SA processes aluminum coils and sheet for the architectural and construction sector. The flat rolled products (up to 2100 mm wide) produced will be available in mill finish or a variety of surface finishes. The company operates two business units — Latem Refinery and Latem Lamination.
Initially, the company’s refinery will produce secondary aluminum ingots (8 kg) for various sectors, such as automotive and other industries. It is expected to reach an annual production of 45,000 tons of ingot in a range of alloys (2000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 7000) when it starts operation in 2022.
The lamination plant is currently being built in in Zamora, Spain. Once completed, the plant will use raw material from the Latem Refinery for its lamination process.