1942

Founded in Sundsvall

We have more than 80 years of combined experience in metallurgy

~500

Approximately 500 employees

KUBAL employs around 500 people from approximately 20 different nationalities

130,000t

Production capacity 

KUBAL's yearly production capacity is approximately 130,000 tonnes

1940–1949

Aluminium in the service of the nation

When the Second World War breaks out, access to aluminium becomes a strategic issue for the country.

In 1940, the Swedish government decides to build an alumina plant in Sweden to secure supply. Sundsvall is chosen thanks to its access to stable hydropower. This laid the foundation for what is today KUBAL.

In 1941, the conversion of the old sawmill site at Kubikenborg begins for aluminium production.

On 14 March 1942, Svenska Aloxidverken begins operations – popularly known as “Aloxiden. At that time, the facility consisted of 28 furnaces with a capacity of 1,800 tonnes per year.

Production included both alumina and aluminium, and during the war years unique solutions were developed to manage raw material shortages – including in-house production of cryolite.

In 1946–1947, alumina and cryolite production are phased out and the operation is streamlined towards aluminium production.

1950–1969

Expansion and regional growth

In 1950, Aloxiden merges with SAKO and the Sundsvall facility grows rapidly. During the 1950s and 1960s, production is expanded in several stages.

In 1956, rectifier stations, a cast house and an electrode paste plant were established, increasing production capacity to 13,000 tonnes per year.

Between 1963 and 1970, one of the largest expansions in the facility’s history is carried out through the construction of Electrolysis Plant 2. This included a new rectifier station, cathode repair workshop and maintenance workshop. The investment modernises production, significantly increases capacity to 85,000 tonnes per year and lays the foundation for more energy-efficient operations over time. SAKO meets growing aluminium demand in Europe, and Sundsvall is established as the hub of Swedish primary aluminium production.

In 1961, Svenska Aluminiumkompaniet becomes a fully owned subsidiary of Svenska Metallverken (ESSEM).

In 1965, SAKO’s head office is moved to Sundsvall – a clear sign of the site’s strategic importance. SAKO remained the company’s name until 1971.

1970–1989

Part of a larger group – industrial restructuring and technological advances

In 1971, following the merger between Gränges and ESSEM, Gränges Aluminium is formed. Operations in Avesta were phased out, and all aluminium production was concentrated in Sundsvall.

In 1987, a decisive technical step is taken – Plant 1 moves from Søderberg technology to a modern process using prebaked carbon anodes produced in a separate anode plant and replaced periodically. Prebaked anodes are the modern industry standard because they provide lower emissions, better energy efficiency and improved environmental performance. This marks the beginning of modern aluminium production in Sundsvall.

1990–1999

A decisive turning point – from closure threat to a new beginning

In the early 1990s, the business is no longer considered to fit within the owners’ group structure. A closure was prepared and investments were halted. But the story took a new turn…

In 1998, then CEO Bengt Jonsson, together with Rune Ingman and Ben Engel, acquires the entire business. The following year, Kubikenborg Aluminium AB is formed.

With new owners, a new business concept and a long-term raw material agreement with Glencore, the future of aluminium production in Sundsvall is secured.

2000–2019

Global ownership – stability and development

In 2000, Kubikenborg Aluminium AB is acquired by Glencore, and in 2007 by RUSAL. During this period, investments in technology, capacity and environmental performance continue.

Between 2008 and 2010, an extensive modernisation is carried out, including the conversion of Plant 2 to prebake technology. Production capacity increases to around 145,000 tonnes of primary aluminium per year, while emissions are reduced.

In 2015, KUBAL reaches a significant sustainability milestone when the frequency of anode effects in electrolysis is reduced to below 0.12 per electrolysis cell per day, resulting in a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions linked to anode effects compared with previous levels. These improvements were made possible through targeted training, improved process control and continued operational improvements.

2020–2027

The aluminium of the future – circularity and low climate impact

During the 2020s, KUBAL intensifies its work to reduce climate impact and strengthen circular production.

Between 2023 and 2024, KUBAL invested in new gas treatment for the cast house, new technology for electric anode heating, as well as digital monitoring, predictive maintenance and process optimisation for increased stability. Between 2023 and 2024, KUBAL invested in new gas treatment for the cast house, new technology for electric anode heating, as well as digital monitoring, predictive maintenance and process optimisation for increased stability.

Between 2025 and 2027, a new remelting facility is being built, enabling the production of around 30,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium per year. When the facility becomes operational in 2027, the climate footprint is expected to decrease from the current 4.5 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne to below 4 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of finished product. Total emissions will be reduced by around 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

This places Kubikenborg Aluminium AB among the aluminium producers in the world with the lowest carbon footprint – delivering one of the world’s cleanest aluminium products from Sweden to an international market.