Situation

The plant covers an area of 0.92 ha on a 2.77 ha site to the north of Córdoba, 10 km from the city centre and 3 km from the international airport.
Although located in an industrial zone, the plant is surrounded by residential districts, city boulevards and irrigated agricultural land.

The nearest homes are about 500 m away.

The plant is served by two major roads: the avenue linking the airport to the city centre, and the ring road called Avenida de Circunvalación.

Initial ISO 14001 certification earned in 2003.

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Water consumption

Water consumption figures between 2000 and 2002 are estimates. In late 2002, the site introduced water consumption meters by sector, making it possible to measure both site and sector consumption for the first time. 

The installation and start-up of automatic coating of some pressure-injection machines at the beginning of 2004 increased productivity, but also water consumption. 

Initiatives in 2005 enabled the plant to reduce water consumption to 2003 levels, despite increased activity. A reduction in domestic consumption was achieved through investment in bathroom facilities and the installation of automatic devices to reduce consumption.

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SO2 and greenhouse gas emissions

Rational planning of use of gas-fired melting furnaces has led to a reduction in SO2 and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

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Waste

Since 2004, the introduction of automatic coating of some machines has increased the quantity of HIW produced, alongside the increase in activity.

The increased volume of waste in 2007 was due to demolition rubble from the foundry capacity project.

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Energy

The decision to purchase liquid aluminum from 2001 (33% of total aluminum consumption) played a major role in bringing down energy consumption between 2000 and 2001.

Since 2004, the introduction of new facilities (robots, electric and gas furnaces, automatic coating) has led to an increase in energy consumption, but has also increased productivity.

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Highlights

 

• Process automation

Certain processes were automated at the beginning of 2004, primarily to increase productivity. New equipment was installed: automatic cleaning of moulds, robotic manipulation of parts and furnaces. This new equipment has changed the parameters of energy consumption and waste generation at the site.

The plant invested in automation of bathroom facilities to reduce consumption of domestic water and prevent excess consumption.

The capacity project that will run from November 2007 to July 2008 is intended to increase the foundry’s capacity by 48%.