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| Golden Aluminum |
Golden Aluminum Nexcast strip caster reached full production in Fort Lupton. The Golden Aluminum Nexcast strip caster produced its first coil on 5 July. It ramped in August to 200,000t per year. The project modernizes hot-strip casting and expands 5XXX alloy capability.
What full ramp-up means for 5XXX coil supply
Production now covers multiple 5XXX grades, including 5182, for autos and cans. This strengthens domestic Golden Aluminum Nexcast strip caster supply. The Nexcast converts molten metal to 36-inch hot-rolled coils. Downstream cold rolling and coating finish to customer spec. Therefore, lead times should improve for packaging and mobility customers.
Process upgrades, scrap intensity, and SMS Group’s role
The new line replaces a 40-year block caster with higher efficiency. Golden Aluminum and SMS Group co-developed Nexcast since 2016. The melt process uses about 15% more scrap, cutting primary input needs. As a result, recycled content and cost resilience should rise. The Golden Aluminum Nexcast strip caster supports lower energy per tonne and consistent gauge.
The Metalnomist Commentary
This ramp creates a fresh U.S. source of 5XXX coil at scale. Watch scrap differentials, 5182 sheet premiums, and downstream coating margins as buyers rebalance away from imports.
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