Bridgnorth Aluminium Targets Emerging Markets with £2M Technology Investment
Bridgnorth Aluminium, the UK’s only fully integrated aluminium rolling plant, is setting its sights on emerging markets in 2025 following a £2 million ($2.54 million) investment in new technology. Operating from a 66-acre site in Shropshire, the company employs 330 people and plays a crucial role in the supply chain for battery foil in the electric vehicle (EV) market.
Deputy General Manager Adam Hunter emphasized the importance of aluminium in the UK’s clean energy transition, particularly in renewable energy, EVs, and defense systems. He noted that the new technology investment will improve the casting process, producing cleaner metal essential for battery foil and high-end packaging markets.
Bridgnorth Aluminium, part of the global Viohalco Group, exports 90% of its aluminium rolled products and invests heavily in green initiatives, including recycling and waste heat reuse to reduce its carbon footprint. The recent investment marks a shift from its traditional lithographic printing business to a more significant role in the UK’s clean energy and electrification sectors.
Hunter highlighted the company’s resilience and adaptability in response to the challenges faced in 2023, such as rising UK energy prices. Diversifying markets and restructuring operations resulted in a 33% sales increase in 2024, exceeding recovery plans and creating new jobs.
Bridgnorth Aluminium is committed to regional economic growth, providing employment opportunities across Shropshire and the West Midlands. The company supports local talent development through educational partnerships and apprenticeships and collaborates with research institutions like the Warwick Manufacturing Group, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, and universities of Birmingham and Brunel to stay at the forefront of materials science and low-carbon manufacturing technologies.
Despite external economic challenges, including potential US tariffs and new carbon reporting regulations, Bridgnorth Aluminium is in discussions with the Department of Business and Trade and has contributed to consultations on the upcoming industrial strategy.
