EBNER Group, a global leader for melting, casting, and heat treatment solutions for the aluminum industry, has increased its stake in GNA alutech inc. to 100%. The group is able to provide a wide range of advanced technologies through its subsidiaries, including EBNER, Gautschi, Hazelett, HPI, and now GNA, among others.
“We are excited to announce the full acquisition of GNA alutech inc. and would like to thank GNA’s founder, Ted Phenix, for his vision and leadership in building GNA into a successful company over 41 years,” said Robert Ebner, CEO of EBNER Group. “Over the last 5 years, I was always impressed by the deep understanding and knowledge Ted was able to share with customers. Our strong professional [relationship] developed to a strong personal friendship.”
GNA is a leading provider of aluminum melting and holding furnaces, homogenizing and annealing furnaces, and cathode sealing equipment. The acquisition marks the culmination of a five-year partnership between EBNER and Ted Phenix, which began with EBNER Group acquiring a majority stake in GNA in 2019.
With the change of ownership, the leadership of GNA has been placed in the hands of Kaleb Wright, president of Business Development, and Chantal Coupal, president of Operations. Wright brings extensive experience in business development and sales to the role, while Coupal has a deep understanding of GNA’s operations and technology.
“I was first introduced to GNA alutech in 2002 while working for Hydro Aluminum during the construction of their greenfield casthouse in Commerce, Texas,” noted Wright. “The wealth of knowledge Ted and the GNA team held, along with their flexibility to work with clients quickly lead to a close relationship between Ted and I for years to come on many projects. Fully embracing GNA’s desire to continue its path for leading technologies in the aluminum industry, I joined the team in 2019 as CTO. It is an honor to continue the legacy Ted Phenix set forth for GNA alutech 41 years ago.”
Coupal added, “I began working with GNA in 1995, and since then, my journey with Ted and the team has been incredibly fulfilling. Ted has been a mentor and a remarkable teacher, imparting not only knowledge but also a profound enthusiasm for the aluminum industry and a passion for his work.”
Based on GNA’s 41 years success story, the company is committed to continuing its focus on green technology and cost efficiency. As part of a strong EBNER Group, GNA provides a full range of technologies and services to their customers, including new and upcoming technologies, such as rotary furnace, electromagnetic stirrer (EMS) pumps, regenerative burners, CO2 free burners, etc.
Leveraging its Core Competence in in-house manufacturing and R&D, the EBNER Group will empower GNA to offer its technology worldwide at the highest quality and best prices. This collaboration is aligned with the group’s mission of “Driving Green Technologies,” which will also drive the joint advancement of furnace and casting technology.