History
ALVANCE are custodians of the history of early Aluminium production.
1877
First commercial production of aluminium in Scotland, using hydro power
1894
British Aluminium Company formed
1929
The British Aluminium Company completed the construction of Lochaber Smelter in 1929 On the 30th December 1929, the first cast of aluminium was produced
1946
Duffel Rolling mill founded as Sidal N.V
1960 – 1965
Expansion of our hot rolling mill with a break-down mill +3 stands finishing mill. The set-up of this installation constructed in 1960 still forms the heart of our factory today
1991
ALVANCE Aluminium Dunkerque first smelter in the world to introduce AP technology on a large-scale basis. This technology is still used today for continuous improvements in power efficiency
2000
First smelter in the world to introduce “pot shell cooling”. Now used globally
2003
Start production of our CALP-line (Continuous Annealing Line with Pre-treatment) making us a leading supplier of automotive body sheet (installation is 240m long, 44m wide and 23m high)
2005
ALVANCE Aluminium Dunkerque uses first ever copper containing cathodes. ALVANCE Aluminium Dunkerque first smelter in the world to use large size anodes
2013
Installation of wide ABS mill. Processes coil exclusively for the automotive industry. Widest Automotive cold rolling mill in Europe
2016
GFG Alliance / ALVANCE purchases Lochaber smelter and associated hydroelectric schemes and are now custodians of the long history of aluminium smelting in the Scottish Highlands
2018
GFG Alliance / ALVANCE purchases Aluminium Dunkerque owning the largest Low Carbon Smelter in Europe
2019
Aluminium Duffel achieved ASI Performance Standard for responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium)
2020
GFG / ALVANCE acquired Duffel
2021
Aluminium Duffel celebrates their 75th anniversary