Aleris attains qualification to supply Bombardier from Zhenjiang, China

Aleris reported that its new rolling mill in Zhenjiang, China has attained qualification to supply aluminum aerospace plate to Bombardier Aerospace. The achievement of this milestone represents a significant step for Aleris towards supplying aluminum plate from its Zhenjiang mill for use in the production of various Bombardier aircraft. Aleris has supplied aluminum aerospace plate to Bombardier from its Koblenz, Germany site for several years. Aleris Zhenjiang, which was opened in early 2013, was modeled after the Koblenz facility to meet the needs of both global and regional aircraft manufacturers by establishing a local supply of commercial aluminum aircraft plate in Asia Pacific. In June 2014, Aleris announced the Zhenjiang plant’s achievement of Nadcap accreditation, which allowed the company to move into the final stages of qualification with Bombardier and other major aircraft manufacturers. Shipments of aircraft plate are expected to begin in the fourth quarter. Aleris Zhenjiang is believed to be one of the first facilities in Asia Pacific qualified to produce aluminum plate for a major global aircraft manufacturer.