On October 29, TRIMET opened the doors of its aluminum smelter in Essen-Bergeborbeck to the public. Around 70 visitors took the opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes look at aluminum production. During the 90-minute tour, they learned about the production and processing of this lightweight metal, as well as the various career opportunities in modern aluminum production. This event was part of the “Long Night of Industry,” an initiative of the association “Future Through Industry.” Endorsed by the Prime Minister of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wüst, this initiative aims to bring citizens closer to the industrial production sector in the Rhine-Ruhr region.
“Aluminum is a material with a future, making our industry an attractive field for young people,” said Dr. Roman Düssel, plant manager at TRIMET in Essen. “Throughout the tour, guests showed strong interest in our work. At TRIMET, we combine technical innovation with ecological progress.”
The tour began in one of TRIMET’s three electrolysis halls, where a total of 360 electrolysis furnaces produce 165,000 tons of primary aluminum each year. Alongside viewing the production of liquid aluminum heated to 960 degrees Celsius, the visitors learned how the aluminum is prepared for further processing. In the foundry, they explored more than a dozen melting and casting furnaces, with which TRIMET produces extrusion and rolling ingots used in the automotive, packaging, and machinery industries. Annually, the TRIMET facility in Essen produces 285,000 tons of casting products.
TRIMET professionals were available to answer questions from visitors, who were especially interested in learning about the various applications of aluminum and its role in reducing CO2 emissions. The technology itself also attracted attention, sparking questions about the production process, which is over 140 years old, and the impact of digitalization. For TRIMET, the “Long Night of Industry” was a complete success. “The world of aluminum is fascinating, and today all of our guests had the chance to experience it up close,” said TRIMET plant manager Düssel.