Jason Weber is the Vice President of Operations and Government Affairs for the Aluminium Extruders Council (AEC). Previously, Jason was the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Taber Extrusions LLC and held various positions with Alumax, Alcoa, Sapa, and Hydro. 

Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing from Minot State University in North Dakota. 

He has over 25 years of global sales, marketing, business development, and manufacturing experience working within the entire aluminium extrusion continuum. He has worked with internal and external partners to help drive product definitions, designs, strategic planning initiatives, and industry relationships that maximise revenue, improve customer experiences, enhance brand value, and enhance the overall value of extrusions. 

AL Circle: What innovations or advancements in aluminium extrusion do you foresee shaping the industry in the next decade?

Jason Weber: There is not one singular advancement or innovation but rather the collective advancements of the entire industry that I see will have the greatest impact in shaping the industry over the next 10 years. It is amazing to see the collective work between extruders, aluminium/billet producers, equipment suppliers, and tool makers that continue to work hand in hand to deliver more innovative extrusions in a better, more cost-effective, and more sustainable way.

AL Circle: How has the demand for aluminium extrusion evolved over the past five years, and what factors drive this change? Can you identify emerging trends in using aluminium extrusion across different industries?

Jason Weber: Obviously, the increasing penetration of BEVs into the automotive market has been a strong driving force for aluminium extrusions. However, as end-use markets like building and construction continue to demand sustainable and efficient products, the demand for extrusions will continue to grow. Sustainability and reducing GHG emissions are at the top of our minds, and the industry is working hard to provide the solutions that our customers demand. For ET ’24, the sustainability and management track offered a wide variety of technical papers, ranging from discussing the value of lightweight BEVs to reducing GHG emissions in die production.

AL Circle: How do you perceive the sustainability initiatives within the aluminium industry influencing future market dynamics?

Jason Weber: There is no doubt that sustainability has the potential to be one of the largest influences on market dynamics. As end users, who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their consumption, continue to demand low-carbon products and understand the various carbon intensities of their supply chains, we will see effects on market dynamics. One example of this is where the Aluminium Extruders Council is working with membership in the development of a specific EPD tool. This tool will allow the creation of an EPD for a specific production location. With this tool, an AEC member company will be able to provide a site/project-specific EPD to the requesting end customer. In fact, this tool will also enable the extruder to model the carbon content for the end user based on raw material sources and enable the end user to make an informed choice.

AL Circle: With the increasing emphasis on carbon reduction, how do you anticipate aluminium's role in the global push towards decarbonisation?

Jason Weber: I see aluminium as a key enabler in the push towards decarbonisation. However, to meet our objectives, advancements in primary, secondary, and post-consumer scrap recycling are needed.