Novelis invests EUR 43 m in rail logistics expansion
Novelis has announced a strategic EUR 43 m investment to enhance its rail logistics across Europe, aiming to improve material delivery efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions. With the acquisition of 220 new Shimmns railcars, the company is reinforcing its sustainability strategy by prioritising rail transport over road. Rail transport accounts for 95% of material deliveries among Novelis' 10 European production facilities, making it a critical component of their logistics operations.
The new railcars are versatile and designed to transport aluminium coils, scrap and ingots, replacing previously rented wagons that were limited to a single material type. This upgrade will significantly boost capacity, enabling more efficient transport of aluminium ingots from Novelis' Nachterstedt recycling plant to its Alunorf rolling mill in Neuss while avoiding approximately 2,000 truck trips and 78% of CO2 emissions annually. The first batch of railcars has been delivered, with full completion expected by September 2026, aligning with Novelis' 3x30 vision to decarbonize operations and establish aluminium as a leading sustainable material.