- ABB replacing outdated third-party installed base, including obsolete motor and generator sets at Oswego, New York, facility
- Retrofit will improve availability, reliability, energy efficiency, and productivity, while cutting downtime and maintenance
Novelis Inc., a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider and the world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling, is working with ABB to upgrade its third-party drives and controls system as part of a brownfield modernization project at its hot rolling mill in Oswego, New York, USA.
To futureproof the mill, ABB is replacing obsolete and outdated equipment with new switchgears, transformers, medium voltage drives, medium voltage synchronous motors, motor control centers and auxiliary controls, all integrated with the facility’s existing non-ABB control system. This will support Novelis’ ambitions for increased power capacity and reliability. Commissioning of the upgrade is expected by the end of 2023.
The Oswego mill was the company’s first US operation and is today the company’s largest, wholly owned fabrication facility in North America. It produces high-quality aluminum sheet for the automotive, beverage can, and building and construction markets. Novelis is also the world’s largest recycler of aluminum and seeks sustainability commitments from its supply chain as its customers look for environmentally friendly and circular aluminum products.
ABB medium voltage synchronous motors will help ensure the highest levels of availability for Novelis. Image ABB 
ABB ACS6080 drives are part of the modernization for Novelis' hot rolling mill in Oswego, NY, USA. Image ABB 
Novelis produces high-quality aluminum sheet for the automotive, beverage can, and building and construction markets. Image Adobe Stock
“In order to continue to provide our customers with the highest quality, sustainable aluminum sheet, and do so reliably, we are focused on increasingly optimizing our production output,” said Ganesh Panneer, Vice President of Operations, Novelis North America. “ABB is helping to ensure that we continue to have the highest levels of availability in our processes. The expertise of the ABB metals team, together with their commitments on providing the latest, most energy efficient products, will secure Oswego’s future as we maintain our leading position.”
“We’re proud to support Novelis in meeting their production targets, which promote efficient use of energy and other resources,” said Siraj Boudighar, Sales Manager North America for Metals, Process Industries, ABB. “By leveraging our long-term experience and in-depth knowledge of metals industry processes, including more than 400 references for modernization projects since the year 2000, we are able to tailor technology packages that meet the specific needs of each customer.”
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps customers in process, hybrid and maritime industries improve performance and safety of operations, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. go.abb/processautomation
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on more than 130 years of excellence, ABB’s ~105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.
