SEPT-ÎLES, August 21, 2018 — Aluminerie Alouette gives a positive assessment of its Aluminium Logistics Centre (ALC) after four years of operation. Equipped with ultra-modern equipment, the infrastructure has exceeded expectations and is paving the way towards the smelter 4.0.
Since its opening, the 6,400-square-metre warehouse has received over 60% of Sept-Îles aluminium shipped by maritime transport. Its 14 automatic guided vehicles (veritable robot stevedores) have loaded more than 100 ships destined for the U.S. (Midwest and East Coast) and Europe (Netherlands). More specifically, 1,840,000 sows, the form in which Aluminerie Alouette produces its primary aluminium, have passed through the logistics centre since 2014.
Alouette’s team has learned a great deal from using the ALC. “The stability and efficiency provided by the centre enables us to explore all the ways this technology can be applied,” says manager Jean-Pierre Bérubé. In the upcoming years, employee expertise combined with artificial intelligence and technology development initiatives will increase the company’s competitiveness in an ever-changing market.
Operated in partnership with QSL – Northern Stevedoring Company, the ALC provides a safe work environment for employees, who mainly work from a control room. “Today, we operate a state-of-the-art centre thanks to the expertise of our women and men,” he adds.
To highlight this technological jewel, Aluminerie Alouette has recently published a video on its revamped website showing exclusive images from inside the ALC.
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