About Us
At Lightmet Consulting, our mission is to enable aluminium companies to realize their full potential – by combining deep metallurgical knowledge, operational excellence and sharp market insight. We stand for clarity, pragmatism and long-term value. As a trusted, independent partner we support our customers in making data-driven decisions, driving transformation and delivering sustainable business performance across the entire downstream value chain.
Story & Background
Lightmet was founded by senior industry executives with decades of C-level experience in strategy, corporate development, sales and business development and operational leadership. Having carried P&L responsibility and led complex transformation initiatives, we saw a clear market need: a consultancy that not only advises, but truly understands the technical, material and operational realities of the aluminium industry.
With more than 100 years of combined aluminium-industry experience, our team covers the entire value chain: from casting to rolling, forging, extrusion, machining and finishing. We operate independently of plant manufacturers and aluminium plants, ensuring objective, unbiased advice focused solely on our customers’ best interests.
We work with a trusted network of independent partners with complementary qualifications and diverse experience, enabling flexible access to a broad range of technical, operational and strategic capabilities.
Expertise & Differentiation
The unique combination of strengths we offer is what makes Lightmet different:
- Expert and Process-Oriented: We understand materials, processes and technology and turn concepts into practical, implementable solutions.
- Operational and Hands-On: We drive change on the shop floor with real plant experience and a solution-oriented approach.
- Strategically Sound and Economically Sustainable: We link technical excellence with market and business insight to enable decisions that make economic sense.
- Data- and Technology-Driven: We use equipment, process and quality data to generate insights and performance gains.
- Trusted and Collaborative: We build long-term partnerships and work side by side with local teams across cultures and markets.
- Quality- and Safety-Focused: We deliver solutions built on safety, sustainability, quality and process stability.
Team
Lightmet is led by a team of experienced industry professionals, each with a long track record in aluminium operations, plant management, business development and project execution.
Markus Plakolm – Founder & Managing Partner
Markus is a seasoned operations executive with more than 35 years of international experience in business and plant management, multi-site leadership, operational consulting, project development and execution, lean manufacturing and business process improvement.
He has held senior roles at Aludium, Arconic/Alcoa and Amag across various locations in Europe, Russia and Middle East, gaining deep insight into the full business, operational and organisational realities of the aluminium industry.
And when it comes to shop-floor challenges, major transformations or unexpected surprises, let’s just say: there’s not much Markus hasn’t seen.
Norbert Buerger – Founder & Managing Partner
Norbert is an experienced global corporate and business development leader with over 30 years in international executive roles. His expertise spans business development and sales, supply chain management, production optimisation and large-scale project management.
He has held senior positions at Amag, Alcoa/Arconic and Pankl, working across multiple regions and industries, building a deep understanding of how technical, commercial and organisational dynamics come together.
And when it comes to strategy, growth and shaping new opportunities, Norbert is the focused voice you want in the room.
Our Team and Network Partners
Dr.-Ing. Gottfried Bernrath – Partner
Experienced operations leader with 35+ years in the aluminium rolling industry. His background spans R&D, process engineering and Managing Director roles in corporate and private-equity environments. He focuses on operational excellence, transformation programmes, technical due diligence and major investments across rolling, casting and finishing operations.
Dr.-Ing. Achim Hofmann – Partner
Materials science and innovation expert with 25+ years of international experience in lightweight aluminium solutions. He has held technical and commercial leadership roles at Alcoa/Arconic and Sapa, and is now CEO of Advanced-Materials Concepts GmbH, leading material innovation and digital transformation initiatives across industrial applications and global supply chains.
Michael Buerger – Partner
Renewable-energy specialist with a strong background in finance and business development. With international experience across Africa, Europe and Asia, he supports SMEs in developing sustainable projects, securing financing and building viable growth models. He combines commercial insight with a clear focus on sustainability, technology and long-term business opportunities.
Jasper Brouwers – Partner
Global strategy and commercial excellence leader with 20+ years of international experience across aviation, aerospace and aluminium. His expertise includes strategy development, investments and M&A, commercial excellence, digital and supply chain transformation. With leadership experience at Constellium, Accenture, SR Technics and Swiss Aviation Consulting, he drives growth and transformation in complex international environments.
Christian Keidel – Partner
Procurement leader with 30+ years in the aluminium industry, holding senior roles at Aludium, Constellium and Aleris/Corus/Hoogovens. He specialises in metal sourcing strategies, non‑metal and energy procurement, hedging and sustainability. With deep value chain expertise and a strong international network, he supports companies navigating aluminium markets with confidence.
Dr. Mario Allet –
Partner
Operations Executive with 30+ years in the Aluminium industry, holding senior roles at Alusuisse, Alcan, Novelis and Aludium across Switzerland, Italy, Canada and Spain. His expertise spans Business Development, R&D, Asset Configuration for Recycling, Development of Sustainability Programs and Continuous Improvement. Leveraging extensive international experience and fluency in German, English, French and Italian, he advises companies on the development of recycling initiatives and the optimization of operational performance in cast houses.
Associate Partners
Inga Janzen – Associate Partner
B2B marketing and strategy professional with 15+ years of international experience in industrial marketing and the aluminium industry. Her expertise includes marketing strategy, brand positioning, market analysis, and international events and workshops. As co-founder of panorama marketing, she helps industrial clients sharpen positioning and build structured, scalable marketing processes that support sustainable growth.
Sandra Hoelscher – Associate Partner
Strategic B2B marketing and business development leader with 20+ years of international experience in industrial marketing. Her expertise includes marketing strategy, branding and content, trade show management, and positioning complex offerings. As co-founder of panorama marketing, she supports industrial companies in strengthening market presence and sharpening their value propositions.
Further team members and project experts are available on request. As a one-stop-shop we assemble dedicated teams tailored to your needs.
Ready to explore how Lightmet can support your aluminium business with technical excellence, strategic clarity and hands-on execution?
Bring us your challenges. We bring the right people together and find a solution.
Ready to strengthen performance, reduce complexity and unlock growth?
Address
Lightmet Consulting FlexCo
Konstantingasse 6-8/9
1160 Vienna
Austria