Lotte Aluminium Materials USA and SMS group have embarked on a strategic partnership, setting new benchmarks in the aluminium industry with their cutting-edge digitalization and logistics package for a new greenfield aluminium cathode foil plant in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. This collaboration is aimed at revolutionizing the production of ultra-thin aluminium cathode foil, primarily used in electric vehicle batteries.
This innovative partnership will leverage SMS group's advanced digital systems and technologies to enhance operational efficiency and customization at the new facility. With an annual production target of 36,000 tons of cathode foils, this initiative is a direct response to the growing demand in the electric vehicle sector. The project features a comprehensive integration of six cold rolling mills and four slitting lines from a third-party supplier, complemented by a high-bay storage system from AMOVA, an SMS group company.
Key components of the digital package include the SMS group’s DataFactory Suite for capturing all relevant production data, the Manufacturing Execution Suite (MES) for seamless plant operation management, and the Quality Execution Suite (QES) for real-time quality evaluation and product certification. These technologies are designed to function cohesively with third-party equipment, ensuring a streamlined and efficient production process.
The logistical aspect of the project is equally impressive, with a high-bay storage system consisting of approximately 500 storage locations. This system is equipped with AMOVA’s warehouse management software and is intricately connected to the plant's various process lines. The MES allows for bi-directional communication, integrating production and warehousing seamlessly.
Recognizing the global footprint of Lotte's operations, the digital package will be fully customizable to accommodate specific process demands of Lotte. The systems provide diverse operational functions, including inspection procedures, production support equipment planning, claim assessment, and comprehensive plant reporting across various levels. Furthermore, the solution enables remote access and control capabilities.
The partnership also emphasizes quality assurance, with the MES and QES facilitating pass-level production sequencing, intralogistics control, and genealogy tracking. This comprehensive approach to quality control, coupled with long-term data storage for process-oriented analyses, positions Lotte at the forefront of technological advancement in the aluminium foil production industry.
The collaboration is supported by a global SMS team, ensuring effective communication and swift resolution of any issues. Additionally, SMS will provide ongoing software maintenance and lifecycle partnership services to keep the systems at the technological forefront.
Eun Seong Chang, CEO of Lotte Aluminium Materials USA, lauds SMS group’s comprehensive digital package and their expertise in integrating third-party equipment, emphasizing the significant role this partnership plays in enhancing aluminium foil production and shaping the electric vehicle battery manufacturing landscape. Dr. Thiago Turchetti Maia, Executive Vice President CoE, SMS digital, highlights this predictive approach as a testament to their commitment to technological advancement and reducing global carbon emissions.
This strategic alliance between Lotte Aluminium Materials USA and SMS group is not just a milestone in digitalization projects within the aluminium foil production industry; it represents a significant leap towards sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices in the era of electric mobility.
