• Arconic’s Hungarian facility processes 230,000 metric tons of aluminium annually and maintains a proven success history with ABB systems
• New equipment will optimize operations on a fifth aluminium furnace while resolving production inefficiencies
• ABB’s AL‑EMS ensures powerful, uniform agitation across molten aluminium baths for superior product consistency

ABB has received a fifth AL‑EMS electromagnetic stirrer order from Arconic for its production complex in Székesfehérvár, Hungary. This follows four effective deployments at the same location since 2023, aiming to enhance furnace performance, output capacity and operational stability. The transaction was recorded during Q1 2026. Financial terms remain undisclosed.

The upcoming AL-EMS installation will target a 52-metric-ton aluminium melting furnace, with scheduled commissioning set for early 2027. Arconic manufactures diverse rolled aluminium solutions serving automotive, construction, aerospace, packaging and electronics sectors. Streamlined casthouse processes are critical for maintaining a dependable supply chain supporting global manufacturing operations.

This repeat procurement stems from Arconic’s initiative to replace outdated stirring systems experiencing inadequate mixing performance and excessive maintenance demands. ABB’s AL‑EMS technology was chosen to address production inefficiencies faced by furnace operators, eliminating channel wall agitation and associated blockage problems while delivering measurable gains in system reliability and process efficiency.

“Our operations team has demonstrated with existing ABB AL-EMS installations that consistent production output can be achieved across furnaces ranging from 30 to 60 metric tons,” stated Csaba Oravecz, Project Manager at Arconic. “We now benefit from predictable operational and maintenance timelines, with enhanced agitation strength, melt consistency and batch cycle efficiency, yielding high-quality, specification-compliant end products. This fifth installation reinforces our confidence in continued operational success.”

The client previously confirmed that maintenance requirements have been substantially reduced through ABB AL‑EMS implementation, cutting annual downtime by approximately ten days per furnace. Additional benefits include accelerated and safer dross removal – executed 50% quicker than previous methods – alongside improved furnace productivity featuring enhanced thermal homogenization, faster alloy integration and lower gas consumption.

“Our continuous collaboration with Arconic highlights ABB’s technological capabilities in resolving practical production challenges for aluminium manufacturers,” noted Frederik Esterhuizen, Global Business Line Manager for Metals & Power Conversion at ABB’s Process Industries division. “Their ongoing trust in our solutions will deliver measurable gains in productivity, energy conservation and safety metrics once this installation becomes operational.”

All five ABB AL‑EMS systems at the Hungarian facility utilize side-mounted liquid-cooled configurations, proving robust and uniform agitation remains achievable in retrofit scenarios where spatial limitations restrict bottom-positioned installations.

ABB provides global aluminium producers with cutting-edge electrification, automation and digital technologies. Its comprehensive portfolio includes electromagnetic stirring, casting, rolling and heat treatment solutions engineered to enhance productivity, energy conservation and product consistency while improving safety and operational reliability in demanding metallurgical environments.

ABB’s Automation business automates, electrifies and digitizes industrial processes addressing essential needs – from energy and water supply to material production and goods transportation. With approximately 26,000 employees and leading technological expertise, Automation supports process, hybrid and maritime sectors in achieving greater efficiency and sustainability. go.abb/automation

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