Contributor: Nicholas Bell

Nicholas Bell

Nicholas brings over half a decade of experience covering metals markets, pricing trends, and supply chain dynamics. Prior to joining AMU, he reported on aluminum, high-temperature scrap, and ferro-alloy markets at Argus Media, with additional coverage of minor metals and rare earths. His work has built deep expertise in North American metals pricing and trade flows. A native of Houston, Nicholas holds a bachelor’s degree in Media Production and an MBA with a concentration in Finance, both from the University of Houston.

AMU Survey: Lead times hold firm as supply tightness persists and import pressures shift

Lead-time expectations remained extended as supply stayed tight, even as import competitiveness decline and logistics costs increased.

GM to invest $40 million to expand Toledo transmission plant capacity

GM will invest $40 million in Toledo Propulsion Systems to expand capacity and add a new transmission variant.

Our take on Wednesday's Fed meeting

The Federal Reserve held rates steady while modestly raising inflation and growth projections, highlighting uncertainty tied to geopolitics and tariffs.

Linamar's Welland gigacasting project highlights Tier 1 risk in a weakening EV market

Linamar's Welland gigacasting project illustrates how shifting EV demand and policy changes can expose Tier 1 suppliers to investment timing risk.

Hyundai Translead to build first US trailer plants as duty investigations move forward

Hyundai Translead plans its first US trailer plants as production declines and trade cases on imports and tariffs move forward.

Steel Dynamics issues Q1'26 guidance, flags aluminum ramp and higher working capital

Steel Dynamics issued first-quarter 2026 guidance, citing higher working capital tied to its aluminum ramp as the segment begins generating EBITDA.

Novelis award highlights broader challenge of recycling automotive aluminum back into sheet

Novelis’ award-winning recycled automotive sheet illustrates a broader industry challenge: returning end-of-life vehicle aluminum scrap back into high-grade sheet production.

Rio Tinto-Prysmian aluminum rod deal highlights tight North American redraw rod market

Rio Tinto's aluminum supply agreement with Prysmian highlights tightening redraw rod availability in North America as tariffs, smelter closures and cable demand reshape supply.

Pace expands plant closures, removing die-casting capacity from US network

Pace Industries plans to close two die-casting plants in Muskegon, Michigan, following the news of the planned closure of its Harrison, Arkansas plant, further reducing its US casting footprint.

UPDATE: Novelis restarts casting operations at Greensboro plant after March 1 explosion

Novelis has restarted casting operations at its Greensboro, Georgia, recycling facility after a March 1 explosion temporarily halted production.