It is possible to combine the visit to Zalco with the company visit to Yara in Sluiskil. More information on the KIVI website.

Zalco evolved from Pechiney Nederland NV a smelter of the French group Pechiney whose construction started in 1969 and start-up was on 1 April 1971. The smelter consisted of 2 electrolysis series where primary aluminium was extracted from alumina (extracted from bauxite) by electrolysis, a foundry in which the produced primary aluminium was cast into remelt rolls, electrolysis piles and rolling blocks and an anode plant that produced carbon anode blocks for electrolysis. The smelter ceased operations in December 2011.

The foundry continued under the name Zalco in mid-2012. Zalco is an aluminium CASTING COMPANY specialising in casting aluminium extrusion piles and rolling blocks to customer specifications. These specifications include alloy, heat treatment and dimensions. In total, this involves some 27 different diameters of extrusion piles and 60 different sizes of rolling blocks. For Zalco, these are end products that serve as starting materials for the aluminium processing industries such as pressing mills and rolling mills. The raw material for Zalco's products is various types of scraps as well as primary aluminium. In addition, alloying elements are added and cleaning salts are used. These companies process these products into a wide range of consumer products, packaging materials including various al-foil applications, machinery and transport equipment. Zalco is certified according to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001

Innovations and sustainability

As in the past, Zalco is constantly working on integral and sustainable innovations. Integral sustainable solutions for the challenges Zalco is facing really appeal to us as a department of Sustainable Technology KIVI. This could include interesting issues such as:

  • Description company and activities, products, applications and market. Development of world aluminium consumption: past, present and future
  • Sustainability aspects Aluminium products; the strength of aluminium, reuse, etc.
  • Consequence of geopolitical developments and climate goals in relation to natural gas supply in the short and long term. Dutch policy.
  • Working on energy conservation and energy transition?
  • NOx and other emissions to air and water use; developments over the past decades and expected developments.
  • Waste stream reduction.
  • Zalco's activities in the region: e.g. training, internships and graduates
  • Contacts with the government; permits, licence conditions.
  • EHS-Q policy
  • Strategy, future vision and policy.

Mr Joop de RidderDirector of Zalco will give a presentation covering the many aspects of the company's continuous work on sustainability.

In short, this is a company that is constantly developing and is well worth a visit.

Programme

10.00 - 10.15 hrs: Reception and registration of participants' attendance

10.15 - 11.15 hrs: Presentation(s) by Joop de Ridder

11.15 - 12.15 hrs: Guided tour

12.15 - 12.30 hrs: Closing (questions, evaluation, closure)

Cost: €5 for KIVI members, €10 for non-members and free for students

Safety: During the tour, it is compulsory to wear a helmet and (safety) goggles. Zalco will have these available. Protective clothing and safety shoes are not required. The condition is that participants wear clothing with arms and legs covered and wear closed sturdy shoes. Note: personal safety shoes are permitted provided they are suitable for an industrial environment.

Accessibility: The factory is easy to reach by car; there is ample parking space. However, the company cannot be reached by public transport. I.e. by bus or train to Middelburg Station and from there by taxi to Zalco.

Legitimation: ID card or passport must be able to be shown during the company visit.

Contact details: André Dijkmans, KIVI Sustainable Technology, E dijk9087@planet.nl, T 06-20249738

Information: www.zalco.nl

Registration: Via the website. Max. 20 participants.