Manchester (UK), Toronto (Canada) – 4th April 2005: Magnesium Elektron and Noranda Inc. today announced the signing of a license and technology agreement that will enable Magnesium Elektron to manufacture and sell products based upon Noranda’s high temperature, creep resistant, AJ alloy system.
The signing of the agreement follows a four-year relationship between the two companies, during which time alloy variants developed by Noranda were manufactured using Magnesium Elektron’s processing know-how and manufacturing facilities in Manchester, UK. The alloy variant AJ62, has subsequently become the bench mark magnesium high temperature die casting alloy following the decision by BMW to use the material in its latest range of 6 cylinder petrol engines.
Noranda began development of the alloy system in 1997 and following an intense period of research launched the alloy into the marketplace in 2001. The unique high temperature properties of the alloy, the availability of a complete user database and the excellent die casting characteristics were major factors in the alloy being specified for what is the largest magnesium power train application in 30 years.
Alongside the R&D activities of Noranda, Magnesium Elektron’s technical centre focused on developing new leading edge processing technologies for the manufacture and recycling of the alloy. The application of these new technologies has resulted in Magnesium Elektron being able to offer die casters, thixomoulders and automotive manufacturers a reliable, cost effective, supply base whilst maintaining the very highest ELEKTRON quality standards. On the 5th January this year, following a nine-month investment program, Magnesium Elektron commenced ingot production from its new, dedicated, AJ manufacturing facility in Manchester. With a capacity of 7,000 tonnes, the new facility compliments existing production capabilities in both Manchester and Litvinov in the Czech Republic.
The work carried out by Noranda and Magnesium Elektron over the past four years has made a significant contribution to the growing application of magnesium in the automotive industry. The signing of this latest agreement will ensure the benefits of the AJ alloy system can be utilized in other commercial automotive and non-automotive programs.
Magnesium Elektron is a world leader in the production of high performance magnesium alloys and products. The company began production of magnesium in 1936 at its Manchester plant and subsequently developed a wide range of magnesium alloy systems and products. The company is part of the Luxfer Group, an international manufacturer of high performance engineering materials including magnesium alloys, zirconium products, aluminium tube and high pressure gas cylinders.
Noranda is a leading copper and nickel company with investments in fully-integrated zinc and aluminum assets. It employs 15,000 people at its operations and offices in 18 countries and is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and The Toronto Stock Exchange (NRD). The company's web site can be found at www.noranda.com
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