Aludium: a Canadian and American investor-led expansion into Alicante
In recent developments, the green light from the National Markets and Competition Commission (CNMC) cleared Jupiter Aluminum, a North American group, to acquire the Alicante aluminum factory of Aludium, along with its related operations in Amorebieta and Castelsarrasin in France. The approval indicated no immediate concerns about excessive market concentration and confirmed that the proposed merger would not hinder competition. The CNMC’s sign-off was a crucial step toward completing the acquisition, with the sale expected to be formalized in the near term.
Following the CNMC clearance, the deal proceeds with Jupiter Aluminum already holding shares in Valencian Baux Group. Its facilities in Segorbe, Castellón, and Elche de la Sierra, Albacete, specialize in rolling and polishing aluminum derived from recycled input. With the auditor’s affirmative decision, a signing date for the transfer was anticipated in the weeks ahead.
Modifications to ownership are not anticipated to disrupt day-to-day operations. The same management team is expected to remain at the helm, and ongoing investments are planned. One notable project involves installing a new rotary kiln at the Alicante facility to boost the recycling of “dirty” scrap and, in turn, reduce dependence on external aluminum suppliers. This strategic emphasis on recycling aligns with broader sector goals of resource efficiency and supply chain resilience, particularly important for customers in North America and Europe facing fluctuations in raw material markets.
The shift in ownership mirrors a broader trend where companies reduce reliance on overseas acquisitions to maintain profitability amid economic uncertainty. This environment has led to softer factory demand and, in some cases, workforce adjustments such as temporary stand-downs in the first quarter. The industry-wide focus on cost discipline and sustainable practices remains a central theme for Aludium and its new owners.
The Aludium story began in 2015 when a North American investment fund set up Atlas Holding. The fund acquired a series of rolling operations from a multinational aluminum producer, establishing plants in Alicante, Amorebieta, and Castelsarrasin. The decision came after a period marked by hardship and disruption across the industry.
In the current phase, the owners have placed a premium on modernization. Investments are aimed at upgrading facilities and returning the Alicante smelter to operation, reviving production that paused in previous years. A central focus is to favor scrap recycling as a stable source of input and to strengthen the plant’s overall efficiency and environmental footprint.
Aludium has positioned itself as an industry player striving to balance growth with sustainability. The product portfolio increasingly highlights canning alloys and other aluminum products designed for markets that demand lower carbon footprints. These initiatives reflect a broader push within North American and European supply chains to lower emissions while maintaining high material performance.
From a regional perspective, the Alicante operation contributes to a wider network that supports customers across North America and Europe. By expanding recycling capabilities and modernizing facilities, the group aims to deliver consistent quality and reliable supply to manufacturing partners that rely on aluminum can bodies, cans, and related components. The strategic emphasis on recycled feedstock also serves as a hedge against price volatility in raw materials, helping to stabilize production costs for customers downstream.
Aludium’s eco-friendly initiative: halving the carbon footprint of aluminum products
The company has introduced a product range that emphasizes lower emissions. This initiative aligns with global demand for sustainable packaging and metal products, enabling customers to achieve greener manufacturing profiles. By prioritizing recyclability and energy-efficient processes, Aludium’s approach resonates with brands and producers seeking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
Market data from the recent period show improvements in turnover and profitability, with annual figures reaching hundreds of millions of euros in turnover and substantial net profits, aside from the French plant. While raw material costs did increase after the pandemic, the ability to leverage scrap recycling and efficient production helped the group maintain financial momentum. These outcomes likely contributed to investor interest and the eventual sale to Jupiter Aluminum, signifying a pivotal moment for European expansion by North American capital.
The buyer, Jupiter Aluminum, has increased its footprint on the European continent through this acquisition. The move reflects a deliberate strategy to diversify markets and integrate recycling-driven production across key facilities.