ALUNNA THROUGH THE AGES

OUR HISTORY

  • 1914
  • 1915
  • 1935
  • 1945
  • 1945
  • 1969
  • 1976
  • 1979
  • 1985
  • 1989
  • 1990
  • 1994
  • 2000
  • 2007
  • 2009
  • 2011
  • 2012
  • 2013
  • 2014
  • 2014
  • 2017
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • March 31, 1914
    The founding of “Messingwerk Aktiengesellschaft“

    March 31, 1914

    The birth of our aluminum plant. On March 31, 1914, ten entrepreneurs from Unna joined forces and founded the Messingwerk Aktiengesellschaft. This marks the beginning of a company tradition that goes back more than 100 years.

  • October 1, 1915
    Construction and start of production

    October 1, 1915

    In 1915, one year after the company’s foundation, the construction of our factory halls began. Production started on October 1, 1915.

  • 1935
    Production of aluminum semi-finished products

    1935

    In 1935, our customized semi-finished aluminum products were launched. Since then, we have enjoyed a close cooperation with all our customers.

  • March 23, 1945
    Heavy bombing raids

    March 23, 1945

    During the Second World War, Unna was hit by a severe bomb attack. Production at the Unna Aluminiumwerk came to a halt.

  • May 13, 1945
    Resumption of production

    May 13, 1945

    May 1945 marked the end of the war. In the same month, production at our Unna aluminum plant resumed under American occupation.

  • 1969
    Renaming of the plant

    1969

    At the Annual General Meeting of January 24, 1969, the plant was renamed. Messingwerk became Messing und Leichtmetallwerk (brass and light metal plant). This reflects the increasing importance of the light metal division of the company.

  • 1976
    Complete switchover to aluminium only

    1976

    1976 saw the end of heavy metal production after more than 60 years: The production of copper and brass semi-finished products was discontinued. From here on, our focus was the production of semi-finished aluminum products.

  • 1979
    Aluminiumwerk Unna AG

    1979

    Majority shareholding by the AluTeam group: On February 27, 1979, the company was renamed Aluminiumwerk Unna AG. This has remained our company name for over 40 years.

  • 1985
    Expansion to Berlin

    1985

    1985 saw the expansion of Aluminiumwerk Unna AG through the purchase of a plant in West Berlin.

  • 1989
    Expansion to Ireland

    1989

    In 1989, Aluminium Unna AG expanded further by purchasing the company Wexal International Ltd. in Ireland.

  • 1990
    Takeover by AMAG

    1990

    In 1990, the AluTeam Group was taken over by Austria Metall AG (AMAG).

  • 1994
    Expansion into the USA

    1994

    At the beginning of the 1990s, a sales company was founded in Casselberry, Florida (USA), known today as ALUnna Tubes USA, Inc., with headquarters in Denver.

  • 2000
    Management buyout

    2000

    At the end of the 1990s, the Austrian AMAG Group sold its majority shareholding in Aluminiumwerk Unna AG. On January 1, 2000, these shares were transferred to the then Works Council Chairman Thomas Wiese (72.7%) and the remainder of the workforce (25.1%).

  • 2007
    A record year

    2007

    In 2007, our aluminum plant delivered an outstanding performance. We celebrated this record year with sales of 90 million EUR.

  • 2009
    Anniversary investment plan

    2009

    We used the occasion of our 95th anniversary to make an important announcement: Over the following five years, the aluminum plant would invest 50 million EUR in the Unna site. Two new extrusion presses would be purchased and around 150 new employees in production would be hired.

  • 2011
    Energy modernisation of the factory

    2011

    In 2011 we launched a number of projects to reduce energy consumption at our aluminum plant, for example through the “cut-to-size” manufacturing of roofs. Heat treatment and quality testing also contribute to an improved energy balance. In addition, a central compressed air station was put into operation.

  • 2012
    Inauguration of the extrusion line 114

    2012

    We are constantly working on the quality of our production. That is why we greatly anticipated the inauguration of our innovative extrusion line: The new 35 MN direct/40 MN indirect extrusion press P114 with run out table is state of the art. The machine complements our existing extrusion press facilities at the plant.

  • 2013
    Sustainable management

    2013

    We want to make a difference. That is why protecting the climate is close to our heart. The certifying body TÜV Nord audited our plant in all areas in an assessment in 2013. The outcome: We were presented with our first certificate for environmental and energy management.

  • January 31, 2014
    For climate protection

    January 31, 2014

    In 2014, our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions was rewarded: The district of Unna awarded us their climate protection flag. We are delighted about this recognition. For the sake of the environment, we will continue to work on this in the future. As a sign of this commitment, the flag now flies over our aluminum plant.

  • 2014
    Our 100th anniversary

    2014

    In March 2014, Aluminiumwerk Unna AG celebrated their 100-year anniversary. And that was certainly a reason to celebrate! On September 12, we thanked our suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. And, of course, there was also a celebration for our employees and their families and friends. Watch our employee film from our 100th anniversary here.

  • 2017
    Acquisition by Zhongwang Holding LTD.

    2017

    The Chinese group Zhongwang acquired the German Aluminiumwerk Unna AG in 2017. Zhongwang is one of the world’s leading developers and manufacturers of aluminum products. The acquisition represents a milestone in the expansion of our international strategy. Together we are united by one goal: Creating growth through innovation and a relentless commitment to excellent solutions for our customers. The focus of our actions: Environmental protection and sustainable corporate development.

  • March 30, 2021
    Commissioning of the new tower kiln

    March 30, 2021

    After months of construction work, the commissioning of the newly built tower furnace began, and at the end of March, the first heat treatment batch was quenched. This step was necessary to further advance the qualification process for proceeding with our automotive project. With its high temperature accuracy, the new tower furnace particularly impressed our heat treatment specialists.

  • 2022
    A brand-new website for ALUnna

    2022

    Our company website has taken on a new shine. We are pleased to present our website 2.0 with a brand new look. Are you happy with the new site? We look forward to receiving your feedback..