A ground-breaking ceremony has taken place at Székesfehérvár, Hungary, to mark the beginning of work on a new wheel manufacturing plant for Arconic, which will increase production of its Alcoa commercial vehicle wheels. The factory is due to open in 2019.
The $130m expansion will “significantly expand production capacity to meet growing demand for lightweight, durable and easy-to-clean Alcoa wheels,” says Arconic.
Creating 200 jobs, it will enable Arconic to double its European-made wheels capacity over time, capturing growth in key markets in Europe, Latin America, Australia and Asia. 

“Our wheels help customers increase payload while saving fuel and reducing maintenance,” said Tim Myers, President of Arconic’s Transportation and Construction Solutions and Global Rolled Products businesses.
“Fleets are increasingly turning to our lightweight, durable wheels and this expansion will help us capture that ongoing growing demand.” 

Arconic’s Wheels business entered the commercial market in Europe 22 years ago with just 32 employees, and has grown to more than 500 today in Hungary.
Alcoa wheels are made from one piece of fully forged aluminium, making them 47% lighter and five times stronger than steel wheels of the same size, increasing payload and fuel efficiency.
The wheels are available in a variety of surface options, including the easy-care, corrosion-resistant Dura-Bright.
