Stamping

On April 19, ArcelorMittal announced the extension of its innovative ArcelorMittal Multi Part Integration (MPI) steel solution to Japan. This expansion comes as a result of a strategic collaboration with G-Tekt, culminating in the signing of a partial ablation license agreement.

MPI represents a sustainable steel solution designed to simplify vehicle design and production. Specifically tailored for the manufacturing of body-in-white (BIW) structures, MPI streamlines production, reduces assembly complexity, saves weight, and shortens lead times, particularly beneficial for electric vehicles. At the core of ArcelorMittal's MPI process lies partial ablation, a patented technology essential for preparing hot stamping sheets for laser welding. 

G-TEKT CORPORATION has decided to launch the development of large integrated body structure products by using AM-patented Ablation technology and laser welding technology. 

Based on ArcelorMittal press release 

On April 11, General Motors announced it is idling its Fort Wayne, Indiana, assembly plant for three weeks to prepare the plant for production of the next-generation Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 full-size pickups.

The downtime is scheduled for the weeks of April 29, June 24 and July 8, GM spokesperson Kevin Kelly said in a statement, noting: "This anticipated downtime will not impact our ability to meet strong customer demand for our industry-leading pickups."

As a result of the Fort Wayne plant being down, GM’s Grand Rapids Operations, Marion Metal Center, Lansing Grand River Stamping and Parma Metal Center that support the assembly plant will also have to take downtime, though specifics on schedules for each plant have not yet been designated.

In June 2023, GM announced it was investing USD 632 million at the Fort Wayne plant to prepare it for production of the next-gen ICE engine light-duty trucks with new conveyors, tooling and equipment in the plant’s body and general assembly areas.

(Detroit News article on April 11, 2024)

On April 5, the President of the Government of Aragon visited Stellantis' factory in Figueruelas, Zaragoza, with the Second Vice President and Minister of Economy, Employment, and Industry. They urged for swift aid for Stellantis' gigafactory.

Aragon is seen as the perfect location for the gigafactory due to its strategic position, renewable energy resources, and government support. However, they need aid from the Ministry of Industry and Tourism to make it happen. The president highlighted investments needed at the plant to secure its future, aiming to win the new STLA Small platform. This would ensure over 1 million vehicle production from 2027 to 2030, constituting 70% of Figueruelas' estimated production.  

To achieve this, the plant needs to decarbonize, electrify its lines, and enhance EV sustainability. The Aragon Government granted EUR 10 million in aid, already allocated, to finance new hot stamping lines, plant electrification, and internationalization of component production within Aragon.

Based on Government of Aragon press release