A Big Accomplishment: NALCO launches IA90 aluminium alloy ingot for auto sector

By Rupali Majumdar

Bhubaneswar/Angul, June 25: In a move to expand its presence in value-added segments and meet the evolving needs of India’s automotive industry, National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), a Navratna CPSE under the Ministry of Mines, has launched a new premium-grade aluminium alloy ingot — IA90.

Unveiled by Sadashiv Samantaray, Director (Commercial), at the company’s Smelter and Power Complex in Angul on Thursday, the IA90 marks a significant addition to NALCO’s growing product portfolio. Senior company executives attended the launch.

Specifically designed for the automotive sector, IA90 offers a blend of high tensile strength, superior wear resistance, and excellent corrosion protection. Its strength-to-weight ratio and castability make it ideal for manufacturing alloy wheels, engine blocks, cylinder heads, and other critical automotive components.

Speaking on the occasion, Samantaray said, “The introduction of IA90 reflects NALCO’s commitment to product innovation and its proactive approach to market trends. With India’s automotive sector increasingly shifting towards lightweight, high-performance materials, this alloy positions us to better serve OEMs and component makers, both domestically and globally.”

The launch aligns with NALCO’s strategy to move up the value chain by offering specialized, high-value products for niche industrial uses. As one of India’s largest producers of primary aluminium, the company has been working to diversify its offerings and reduce reliance on bulk commodity markets.

Industry analysts note that India’s automotive sector is poised for steady growth, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and lightweight vehicle designs. The demand for premium aluminium alloys is expected to surge, and NALCO’s entry into this space should help it tap into this expanding market.

The initiative also supports the government’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ missions to reduce import dependency for critical industrial materials. NALCO is reportedly exploring further alloy developments for applications in aerospace, renewable energy, and defence.

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Photograph: A Moment of Glory: NALCO officials unveil the IA90 aluminium alloy ingot in Angul on Thursday.