Wednesday 24th January saw the Aluminium Federation (ALFED) Membership and Sustainability Manager, Nadine Bloxsome and Marketing and Communications Assistant, Emily Foster hit the road up to Shepshed, Leicestershire to visit members, BOAL Extrusion UK for a breakfast event to launch the grand opening of their new billet oven.
BOAL have been operating in the UK for 35 years, and this new investment drives their sustainability forward, paving the way for many more successful years to come. Specialising in designing, extruding and finishing aluminium profiles for a wide variety of sectors including hi-tech greenhouse construction, building systems, profiles for high-quality partition walls, façade systems, ladder and access product manufacturing and fastening products for solar panels, BOAL have a significant presence in the aluminium extrusion industry.
Sustainability is a huge part of BOAL’s mission, and this is reflected in their ranking as the highest-ranked Dutch company for ESG ratings, according to Morningstar Sutainalytics. Additionally, BOAL are ranked 33rd in the global ESG ratings, and highest in the extrusion industry.
The morning began with a networking opportunity amongst the glorious scent of a breakfast van sat outside, serving items such as bacon and sausage baps amongst trays of fruit and pastries, served with a choice of tea or coffee. Heading into the plant, delegates were split up into small groups led by a dedicated member of the BOAL team; in which ALFED were graced with Sales Director, Alan Lucas as our ‘tour guide’. Alan gave us an in-depth description about the operation of the new piece of equipment, while we had a front row seat of the oven in its new home.
General Manager, Emma Swann then took to the stage, thanking each and every guest for their attendance, before moving on to explain that the new billet oven not only cost £1.4 million, but it is also the largest single piece investment that the BOAL plant has seen for over 20 years. Not only that, but Emma explained how although still being a gas oven rather than electric, the new equipment is set to save 40% more gas each year, and 310 tonnes of CO2. Additionally, BOAL are adding to their sustainability strategy by committing to buy in aluminium billet from a low carbon supplier based in Iceland; billet that also contains a higher content of post-consumer scrap (starting in quarter 2 this year).
Officially declaring the billet oven open, Emma wrapped up her speech by showcasing a short 2-minute timelapse video, highlighting the 18 months of preparational work and a further 5 weeks of installations that had gone into making this investment possible.
Commenting on the new installation, Emma Swann stated that this investment is not just about modernising equipment; it’s a holistic approach aimed at improving overall operational sustainability and enhancing the well-being of the team that operate and maintain this equipment. Additionally, she added: “We believe in delivering on our ambitions when it comes to our ESG strategy. Last May, we made the significant move to rely entirely on renewable electricity. Now, with this investment, we have addressed another critical aspect of our operations toward reducing our carbon footprint, enhancing our environmental performance and providing a positive impact on our operating staff.”
BOAL Extrusion’s journey towards a greener and more sustainable future is a testament to the Company’s proactive approach to environmental stewardship and the well-being of its operating staff. By embracing innovative technologies and strategic investments, BOAL Extrusion is demonstrating that sustainability, profitability, and a positive work environment can all go hand in hand.
For more information about BOAL Extrusion UK, please visit: https://www.boalextrusion.com/en-uk
To find out more about ALFED, or to become a member, please visit: www.alfed.org.uk.
