AMSTERDAM, April 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Constellium N.V. (NYSE and Euronext: CSTM) announced today the opening of the Constellium University Technology Center (UTC) at Brunel University London, a dedicated center of excellence for the design, development and prototyping of aluminium alloys and automotive structural components. Featuring industrial size aluminium casting and extrusion equipment in the first phase, the Constellium UTC will provide rapid prototyping capability that is expected to reduce development times by at least 50% for advanced aluminium alloys required for the continued lightweighting of automotive structural components.
The newly developed alloy and process technologies are expected to be transferred to Constellium's extrusion and automotive structures plants worldwide, thereby closing the gap between fundamental R&D and series production.
"As the leading Tier 1 supplier of aluminium structural components to the global automotive market, and a leader in innovation in our industry, we are excited about the advantages Constellium's University Technology Center will offer to automakers," stated Paul Warton, President of Constellium's Automotive Structures and Industry business unit. "A one-of-a-kind center of excellence, the Constellium UTC will allow us to prototype alloys and components on full-scale equipment with unprecedented speed and time to market."
In partnership with Brunel University London, Constellium will develop the scientists and engineers of the future through a fellowship program for PhD students and post-doctoral fellows. A dedicated team of 15 Constellium researchers, engineers and technicians will apply the latest breakthroughs in material science research to practical solutions for future vehicle programs.
With the new stronger alloy portfolio, Constellium is expected to design, develop and deliver lightweight, high-strength aluminium automotive structures and Crash Management Systems to help automakers improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions in order to meet more stringent regulations. These new developments, based on 6000-series alloys, will help improve recyclability through their compositional compatibility with presently used alloy grades.
Today also marks the opening of the "Advanced Metal Casting Centre" (AMCC), a research facility located on the Brunel University London campus, which is focused on developing lightweight, high-performance aluminium alloys for the automotive and rail industries. Managed by Brunel University London, Jaguar Land Rover and Constellium, the AMCC will be expanded next year with the addition of the "Advanced Metal Processing Centre" (AMPC) to include fabrication and testing of aluminium automotive structural components. The Constellium University Technology Center at Brunel is expected to provide a fully integrated rapid prototyping capability from alloy development to full component manufacture in a single location.
These developments aim at strengthening Constellium's presence in the global automotive market both for advanced aluminium extruded and Body-in-White rolled products.
About Constellium
Constellium (NYSE and Euronext: CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value added aluminium products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium generated €5.2 billion of revenue in 2015.
www.constellium.com
Forward Looking Statement
Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release may contain "forward looking statements" with respect to our business, results of operations and financial condition, and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events and conditions. You can identify forward-looking statements because they contain words such as, but not limited to, "believes," "expects," "may," "should," "approximately," "anticipates," "estimates," "intends," "plans," "targets," likely," "will," "would," "could" and similar expressions (or the negative of these terminologies or expressions). All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Many risks and uncertainties are inherent in our industry and markets. Others are more specific to our business and operations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the ability of Constellium and Wise to achieve expected synergies and the timing thereof; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; Constellium's increased levels of indebtedness as a result of the acquisition of Wise Metals, which could limit Constellium's operating flexibility and opportunities; the potential failure to retain key employees as a result of the acquisition of Wise Metals or during the integration of the business, the loss of customers, suppliers and other business relationships as a result of the acquisition of Wise Metals; disruptions to business operations resulting from the acquisition of Wise Metals; slower or lower than expected growth in the North American market for Body-in-White aluminium rolled products and other risk factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F, and as described from time to time in subsequent reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The occurrence of the events described and the achievement of the expected results depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130624/NY37453LOGO
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/constellium-inaugurates-its-new-state-of-the-art-university-technology-center-at-brunel-university-london-300247625.html
SOURCE Constellium