Aluminum Extruders Council

Aluminum Extruders Council The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is an international association promoting aluminum extrusion as the preferred material process for better products.

The Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC) is a progressive trade association dedicated to advancing the effective use of aluminum extrusion in North America. AEC is committed to bringing comprehensive information about extrusion’s characteristics, applications, environmental benefits, design and technology to users, product designers, engineers and the academic community. Further, AEC is focused on enh

ancing the ability of its members to meet the emerging demands of the market through sharing knowledge and best practices. For more information, visit the Council’s website at www.aec.org.

Even while on vacation, Guy Charpentier of Aluminum Extruders Council member company Bonnell Aluminum can't stop seeing ...
06/12/2026

Even while on vacation, Guy Charpentier of Aluminum Extruders Council member company Bonnell Aluminum can't stop seeing .

In this case, aluminum extrusions are helping provide an extraordinary view of the Alaskan coast while also keeping the elements out.

It’s a great reminder that aluminum extrusions are all around us, supporting the products, structures, and experiences we rely on every day.

Join the conversation! Share where you've spotted aluminum extrusions using and tag us so we can see your discoveries.

The Aluminum Extruders Council honors the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. Wishing you a ...
05/25/2026

The Aluminum Extruders Council honors the service members who gave their lives in defense of our country. Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day.

🔥 When the heat rises, your safety strategy needs to rise with it.Join us for Keeping Your Cool: Heat Illness Prevention...
05/15/2026

🔥 When the heat rises, your safety strategy needs to rise with it.

Join us for Keeping Your Cool: Heat Illness Prevention in Extrusion Plants on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 1:00 PM CDT and gain practical, field-tested strategies to help protect your team and keep operations running strong during extreme heat conditions.

Learn about:

✔ Cooling technology that works
✔ Airflow & recovery strategies
✔ Hydration, nutrition & electrolytes
✔ Acclimatization best practices
✔ Safety messaging that sticks on the shop floor

Presented by Evan Neale, EHS Manager at SCM

🔒 This is an AEC Member Exclusive.

Reserve your spot today and make sure your safety teams and frontline leaders are ready for summer.

Register now: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3633055153605198176

There’s still time to register for Ergonomics in the Extrusion plant —a session focused on taking a proactive, risk-base...
05/06/2026

There’s still time to register for Ergonomics in the Extrusion plant —a session focused on taking a proactive, risk-based approach to workplace safety in aluminum extrusion operations.

Learn how to identify ergonomic risks early, use data and employee feedback effectively, and implement strategies that reduce injuries and improve efficiency.

📅 May 13, 2026
⏰ 1:00 PM CDT
🔒 Exclusive to AEC Members

👉 Secure your spot today:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/104808102067841371

As National Apprenticeship Week comes to a close, we’re proud to recognize all of the apprentices featured this week fro...
05/01/2026

As National Apprenticeship Week comes to a close, we’re proud to recognize all of the apprentices featured this week from Aluminum Extruders Council member companies in the role of Maintenance Technician Apprentice.

Thank you to the Apprentices and their AEC Member Companies for investing in the future of our industry and strengthening the skilled workforce. Pictured left to right: Bryan Lange - Bonnell Aluminum, Damion Suter - Matalco Inc., Johan Fornes - MI Metals, Inc., Ken Stout - Matalco Inc., Jakob Jollay - Bonnell Aluminum, Keenan Bayes - Bonnell Aluminum, Austin Smith - Matalco Inc., and Kristopher Scott - Pries Enterprises Inc.

Next up: Die Tech and Extrusion Press Operator Apprenticeships are coming soon. Stay tuned!

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:Ken Stout – Matal...
05/01/2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:

Ken Stout – Matalco Inc., Lordstown, Ohio

Ken has been a valued member of Matalco’s Lordstown team for 8 years. He is starting his new role as a Maintenance Technician apprentice, marking the next step in his career at Matalco. Ken brings hands-on plant experience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to learning as he transitions into the maintenance trade. Outside of work, Ken enjoys hunting and fishing, and spending time outdoors. Family is very important to Ken—he and his wife enjoy staying active and involved with their sons, Brian (18) and Jaxin (13).

Damion Suter – Matalco Inc., Shelbyville, Kentucky

Damion worked for a lumber company and joined the U.S. Navy, stationed in Kingsland, Georgia, serving as a Master of Arms from 2021 through January 2025. Damion then worked for Matalco’s Shelbyville Maintenance Department and is a third-generation employee, like his grandfather and dad, who works there as a Mold Repair Supervisor. Damion’s Maintenance Apprenticeship journey began in January 2026, where he applies his learning to his job at Matalco.

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:Austin Smith – Ma...
04/29/2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:

Austin Smith – Matalco Inc., Franklin, Kentucky

Austin began Industrial Maintenance classes in high school. He joined Matalco’s Production Department in 2023, promoted to Maintenance Technician in September 2024. Austin’s drive, ambition and willingness to help made him their Maintenance Tech apprentice choice. HR Manager Jackie Ellis said, “Austin has the best attitude and is one of the hardest working people you’ll find!” Austin was Matalco Franklin’s Employee of the Month in July 2025, nominated by his co-workers.

Keenan Bayes – Bonnell Aluminum, Elkhart, Indiana

Keenan brings 20+ years of industrial experience to his Maintenance Tech apprenticeship. His knowledge spans construction, general machine repair & maintenance, electrical, plumbing, welding, fabrication, design, and supervisory/management roles. Keenan’s expertise and professionalism offer unique, creative solutions. His resourcefulness and big-picture thinking result in sustainable solutions for the tasks at hand. He brings a positive attitude and great sense of humor to Bonnell Elkhart’s first official Maintenance Department apprenticeship.

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:Johan Fornes – MI...
04/28/2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:

Johan Fornes – MI Metals, Inc., Oldsmar, Florida

Johan started at MI Metals in 2024 in Anodizing as a Racker, moving into Quality and transitioning into extrusion as a Saw Operator. Johan actively assisted in extrusion line upgrading/rebuilding, learning from vendors on site, gaining hands-on process knowledge, stepping into a Press Operator role. He is now growing his skills, becoming MI Metal’s first Maintenance Tech apprentice. Johan brings his dependability, eagerness to learn, and willingness to take on new challenges.

Kristopher Scott – Pries Enterprises Inc, Independence, Iowa

Kris enjoys working with his hands and constantly being challenged to solve problems. He learns new skills daily in Pries’ Maintenance Department. He has gained many skills, taking on complex components, programming, automation, robotics, and PLCs. He notes, “The future of manufacturing is in full automation, so if you do not embrace it now, you will be too far behind.” Kris is planning to become an automation and mechatronics specialist.

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:Jakob Jollay – Bo...
04/27/2026

It’s National Apprenticeship Week! Meet AEC Members’ Apprentices in the role of Maintenance Technician:

Jakob Jollay – Bonnell Aluminum, Niles, Michigan

Jakob is a member of the Bonnell Niles Maintenance Department. Over ten months, he has developed skills in equipment reliability, troubleshooting, and supporting efficient production in the apprenticeship program’s hands-on training. He has completed 1500 OJT hours and attends courses at Southwestern Michigan College/Tooling U. Jakob brings his positive approach to build his knowledge, grow in his trade, and positively contribute to his Team as a skilled maintenance systems professional.

Bryan Lange – Bonnell Aluminum, Niles, Michigan

Bryan has worked at Bonnell Niles for nearly nine years in fabrication, CNC setup, saw operation, Team lead, and now in their Maintenance Department. In ten months, he has completed 1500 OJT hours and attends classes at Southwestern Michigan College/Tooling U. Bryan’s experience encompasses automotive industry roles, most recently Automotive Parts Manager responsible for inventories, personnel and wholesale customer service. He brings solid maintenance experience to Bonnell’s Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship.

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent AEC Train-the-Trainer sessions. This program is focused on developing high...
04/25/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended the recent AEC Train-the-Trainer sessions. This program is focused on developing high-quality training content to support member trainers who will be educating press and die apprentices across the industry.

We appreciate the engagement and collaboration from all participants and look forward to continuing this important work, with additional training sessions planned for late 2026.

Address

1930 Innovation Way/Suite 232
Libertyville, IL
60048

Telephone

847-526-2010

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