Storvik Mosjøen awarded new contract with Alcoa

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Storvik Mosjøen AS has been awarded a new contract with Alcoa Mosjøen for the operation and maintenance of the smelter’s automated in-line rod repair system. The agreement builds on nearly a decade of experience with robotic anode rod repair at Alcoa Mosjøen and further strengthens Storvik’s position as a provider of advanced maintenance, automation, and process engineering solutions for the aluminium industry.

Supporting a critical process in aluminium production

Anode rod assemblies play a crucial role in primary aluminium production, influencing both electrical performance and operational reliability. Traditionally, rod and yoke repair has involved significant manual work, heavy handling, and welding processes where quality can vary between operators and shifts. Storvik’s In-Line Rod Repair (ILRR) solution was introduced at Alcoa Mosjøen in 2016 to automate the identification, handling, and repair of damaged rod assemblies directly within the plant’s production flow. Under the new contract, Storvik Mosjøen will be responsible for operating the robotic repair line and maintaining the anode yokes processed through the system.

A combined engineering and operations effort

The contract is the result of close cooperation between Storvik Mosjøen and Storvik Engineering AS. While Storvik Mosjøen will operate and maintain the facility, Storvik Engineering has led the engineering of the solution, with installation and commissioning carried out in close cooperation between the two companies. Together, the companies combine operational expertise and engineering capabilities to deliver a complete solution adapted to the specific requirements of Alcoa Mosjøen.

Automation tailored to the smelter

Storvik’s philosophy is that automation must fit the smelter, not the other way around. Rather than viewing rod repair as a standalone welding operation, Storvik approaches it as a complete process engineering challenge. The solution considers the entire workflow, from inspection and classification through preparation, alignment, robotic welding, quality verification, and return to production.

At Alcoa Mosjøen, the repair process is integrated directly into the production flow, enabling a controlled and repeatable process while maintaining the capacity and availability required by the smelter. The approach has also proven adaptable to different operating models. At Hydro Sunndal, for example, Storvik’s jointly owned company Protech operates a dedicated automated repair line outside the smelter’s main production flow while applying the same underlying principles.

Driving safety, consistency and operational performance

By automating rod repair, the system delivers more than increased productivity. Robotic welding enables controlled and repeatable welding parameters, supporting consistent weld quality and reliable mechanical and electrical performance. At the same time, automation reduces personnel exposure to heavy lifting, hot work, welding fumes, repetitive tasks, and other hazards traditionally associated with rod repair. The automated process also creates valuable operational data that can be used to monitor equipment performance, identify recurring damage patterns, and support more informed maintenance decisions.

Proven technology, built on years of industrial operation

Storvik’s robotic rod repair technology has been an integral part of operations at Alcoa Mosjøen since 2016, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness through nearly a decade of continuous industrial use. Over the years, the technology has evolved alongside the smelter’s operational requirements. A major milestone was the conversion of 8,600 anode yokes from a two-stub to a three-stub configuration, carried out while the smelter remained in full production. This also required significant modifications to the automated repair system, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of Storvik’s technology.

The new contract builds on this long-standing operational experience and represents the next chapter in the collaboration between Alcoa and Storvik, with continued focus on safe, efficient and reliable smelter operations.

Our team at Storvik Mosjøen, with managing director Veronica Danielsen in front.

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