Arconic-Köfém celebrates 80th anniversary of foundry with special programs

Arconic operates one of Europe's leading aluminum rolling mills and foundries in Székesfehérvár. The company, which has 24 plants in 10 countries around the world and approximately 13,400 employees, started its operations in Hungary two decades ago, but its Székesfehérvár rolling mill and foundry has a history of 80 years. 

Arconic-Köfém Mill Products Hungary Kft., which currently employs more than 800 people, has been able to adapt and grow its resources to the increased market demand in the last quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to a press release sent to the Budapest Business Journal, at the end of the first quarter of 2021, it agreed with its employees on compensation exceeding the needs of the labor market to support its competitiveness. 

In addition, the company’s Arconic Foundation supported local communities with some USD 200,000 in 2020, pledging to help with a further USD 225,000 in 2021. 

András Cser-Palkovics, mayor of Székesfehérvár, said at the 80th anniversary celebrations, “The history of Székesfehérvár over the past decades includes very significant chapters of industrial history. The city’s economy makes Székesfehérvár one of the most significant industrial centers of the country.  Industrial players are constantly evolving, with developments driven by a highly skilled workforce, high value-added jobs and world-class technology."

"Even among the companies that are the pillars of the economy of Fehérvár, there is a group of companies of outstanding importance that is part of the life of the city, almost a way of life - and Köfém is one of them. It is a partner of the city in good times and bad, in timely responses to challenges, and in making the right decisions. It is a major employer, a taxpayer, and a leader in social responsibility. We thank you for your cooperation so far and wish you many more decades of similar success. God bless Köfém and its employees," he added.

Balázs Gábor, managing director and factory manager of Arconic-Köfém Mill Products Kft. said, "We owe our thanks to our employees, partners, suppliers, and customers and especially to the leadership of Székesfehérvár for their support, focus, and continuous commitment to the success of Arconic and I wish that our company can continue to represent the values of tradition and outstanding quality here in Székesfehérvár for many decades to come."

Zsuzsanna Varga, the company’s managing director and HR manager said, "In order to celebrate our roots, which Székesfehérvár has provided us with, we are launching a series of programs starting in April and running until December. As part of this, we are launching today a 10-part series of professional lectures with our employees on the development and operation of the aluminum industry, and an exhibition of personal memorabilia from four generations."

"We will also introduce the wider public to the process of aluminum production with our production short film. And in the fall, we will donate a public aluminum sculpture to the city in the Arconic promenade, where we will also plant 80 trees in the spirit of sustainability. Also as part of the program, together with the successor companies of the former Köfém, we will donate a community playground to the city of Székesfehérvár as a sign of our commitment," she added.