Sapa Extrusions – North America has announced the installation of new extrusion presses at its Yankton, S.D. and Elkhart, Ind. plants. The new presses have been moved from other Sapa locations and should begin extruding aluminum solutions for customers during the second half of 2015. Both units are being installed to accommodate continued production growth in the Midwest region. With an increased need for capacity, Yankton and Elkhart anticipate full utilization of both presses from day one providing extruded aluminum to customers within the building and construction, as well as automotive industries.
“We’ve seen very strong growth in the Midwest region of the U.S. over the last several years,” says Patrick Lawlor, president of Sapa Extrusions Americas. “These two presses are coming at the perfect time to serve what we expect to be a continued high demand for aluminum extrusions in the region. One of the important strengths of our Sapa network is the ability to move our press assets to the areas of the world where they are most needed.”
The facilities are receiving the following updates in order to meet the capacity needs:
Yankton, S.D.
- 2,500 ton 8-inch direct extrusion press primarily serving building and construction customers.
- Two new shipping docks to accommodate the increase in capacity.
- New aging furnaces.
Elkhart, Ind.
- 3,000 ton 8-inch direct extrusion press primarily serving automotive customers.
- New shipping docks to accommodate the increased production.
- A new, 8-inch log furnace with billet saw, and all line support equipment beyond the press proper.
- New aging furnaces.
Blake Robertson, general manager for the Midwest region at Sapa Extrusions Americas states: “Both Yankton and Elkhart plants have strong leadership teams and a solid, skilled workforce. The installation of these new presses in two Midwest locations is a sign of the full confidence we have that both plants will become even more successful with this new additional extrusion capacity.”