Furnaces International Issue
June 2025

Welcome to Furnace International’s second edition of the year.

The past 12 months have generally been marked with a general downturn in business and, in recent months, uncertainty.

However, I can cautiously say, there appears to be some green acorns of growth out there. Confidence appears to be increasing after a18-month hiatus.

There were a number of reasons for the slowdown: energy price hikes as a result of the Russia/Ukraine conflict, an adjustment after Covid, supply chains reorganising themselves after the pandemic and a general lack of consumer confidence.

But after talking to people in the last few weeks within several of the sectors we cover, there are signs of encouragement.

The largest glass manufacturer, O-I, has seen modest sales increase, while the second largest steel company, ArcelorMittal, plans a €1.2 billion electric furnace in Dunkirk, France.

The most notable news is from the USA aluminium sector, where two multi-billion dollar investments have been progressing.

Novelis’ $4 billion Alabama facility is on track for commissioning next year. The second, from Emirates Global Aluminium, will see a $4.1 billion facility open in Oklahoma open by 2030.

President Trump has many critics but these investments are a sign of faith in his administration from industry.

Enjoy the issue, Greg

Front cover from TECO