Dr Matthias Irle is a highly accomplished Electrical Engineer specialising in Automation Engineering. He holds a Dipl. Ing. Elektrotechnik from Universität-Gesamthochschule Siegen, Germany, and a Doctorate in Engineering. With over two decades at EMG Automation GmbH, he has held key positions including Head of Quality Assurance Systems and Technical Director. Since January 2021, he has served as Executive Vice President, leading the Business Unit Metals, showcasing his dedication, expertise, and leadership in the field.

ALCircle: How do you envision the global aluminium industry in 2024? Which manufacturing industry will be the key demand driver for aluminium?

Dr Matthias Irle: In general, the aluminium industry in 2024 is expected to be shaped by decarbonisation efforts, with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region being significant players in the global market. The manufacturing industry, particularly in transportation, construction, packaging, and electrical sectors, is anticipated to be the key demand driver for aluminium in 2024. In the aluminium flat-rolled products market, the target market of EMG’s Metals Business Unit, the trend is towards the production of lightweight and high-strength materials for use in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as the increasing use of aluminium in the packaging industry due to its excellent barrier properties and recyclability.