Carter addresses Aluminum USA
 CHICAGO: Martin Carter welcomed participants to the Aluminum USA 2003 conference with a strong opening speech. |
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(Oct. 3, 2003) Hydro Aluminum North America president Martin Carter was one of the kick-off speakers this week at the first-ever Aluminum USA 2003 conference in Chicago.
Opening the conference on September 30, Carter addressed some 75 attendees on "Shaping the extrusion industry for tomorrow."
He cautioned the audience against being blinded to the fundamental challenges facing the industry by the current stirrings of increased demand. At the same time, Carter noted that while Hydro believes the US extrusion market has substantial promise, and that the company has invested substantially to build its position, the industry must aggressively address issues like low investment and productivity, mediocre service, competition from other better-organized materials, and a dearth of innovation outside of automotive applications.
 MORE: Carter would like to see aluminum suppliers put their light metal to use in more innovative ways.
He then outlined "four pillars" of improvement that Hydro Aluminum North America is pursuing, and offered them as a guide for the industry. |
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In closing, Carter challenged suppliers and fellow extruders to attack the fundamental industry challenges - both individually and collectively via industry associations.
The three-day conference, which ended Thursday, is the only event in the US that covers all aspects of the aluminum industry, from primary metal production through to recycling and secondary operations, as well as research and development and finished product applications.
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