VALUED: More than 40 manufacturing managers juggled their time to attend a gathering near Lisbon. (Photos: Shannon Misak)

Manufacturing director Tomas Lindheim calls the annual meetings important in the sector's drive to improve performance through benchmarking, good practice sharing, and implementation of research and development, while fully utilizing the extrusion competence that is all around the Hydro group.

AWARD: Bo Vang Jensen

In Estoril, safety was first on the agenda, and the group took time to review and discuss the sector's comprehensive HSE program. This included a close look at the sector's "World Class Safety Performance" initiative where the technical safety of all Extrusion Eurasia's plants has been systematically revised and improvements put in place. This project is now continuing with focus on organizational development.

The balance between technical and organizational development is also the basis for the operational excellence model of extrusion. This is a key element of the new Aluminium Products Performance Management System that was presented - and well received - by the audience.

Innovation and growth

The theme for this year's meeting was "Innovation and Growth." In a highly interactive workshop, participants were challenged to think new on how to initiate, develop and implement ideas. Innovation and growth are also key elements in the new sector strategy that was presented.

AWARD: Ronald Unterrainer

Practical examples of good practice in extrusion manufacturing were then shared, as every plant representative presented this to their colleagues. In fact, the group came up with more than 20 solutions to bring home.

Moreover, the latest results from Extrusion R&D were presented, with recommendations for implementation. Presentations and workshops on benchmarking, investments and IT tool developments were also on the agenda.

Best of the best

One of the highlights of the annual gathering is the Hydro Aluminium Extrusion Eurasia Awards ceremony. This year, the prize for press productivity was won by Hydro's extrusion plant in Tønder, Denmark, represented by Bo Vang Jensen.

The prize for labor productivity went to the Bellenberg plant in Germany, with Ronald Unterrainer receiving the honor.

AWARD: Eduard Canet

And the Manufacturing Manager of the Year? The winner was Eduard Canet from LaRoca, Spain.

The meeting was hosted by the Portalex plant, which did an excellent job. As an example, during the plant tour, participants were given the opportunity to bring back good practices and also provide feedback on safety improvements. This openness in sharing and challenging among professionals and organizations makes a world-class extruder.