Network Metals LLC

Usually in July, the automobile industry shuts down for two weeks, but this summer such is not the case. Things were pretty bad in April and May, when GM and Chrysler were completely shut down, but now demand is extremely strong. Secondary aluminum producers are putting out 12-13 million pounds of alloy ingot this month (capacity 20 million), which is a big jump from 8 million pounds 60 days ago. Secondary aluminum smelters are desperately trying to get long on aluminum scrap after getting caught short during the run, as companies like Aleris and J.L. French (Ford) are revving up production with automakers’ pick-up in production.