Mumbai: Aditya Birla group company Novelis Inc., a world leader in aluminum rolled products, has signed a multi-year supply agreement with the South American operations of Rexam plc, one of the world''s leading consumer packaging groups and the No. 1 beverage can maker.

Under the terms of the long-term agreement, valued at approximately $1 billion, Novelis will be the lead supplier of aluminum can sheet for Rexam plants throughout Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

Rexam is one of Novelis'' largest customers in an important market sector.

"Rexam is an important global customer for Novelis," said Martha Brooks, president and chief operating officer of Novelis Inc. "This agreement to supply the growing South American markets further strengthens our long-standing relationship with Rexam and signifies our commitment to be the global leader in high-value aluminum rolled products," he added.

Novelis, meanwhile, has been selected by General Motors to supply aluminum sheet for the hood of the 2008 Cadillac CTS, expected to launch in late August. Novelis is the world''s leading supplier of high performance aluminum sheet for use in automotive applications.

The CTS, Cadillac''s luxury sport sedan, has been redesigned for 2008, offering a higher level of technology, luxury and performance. The exterior is notable for extremely tight gap tolerances, flush-mounted elements and high-grade components, says the automaker.

Novelis will supply aluminum sheet for the CTS hoods from its manufacturing plants in Oswego, NY and Kingston, Ontario. Novelis also supplies aluminum sheet for the hoods of Cadillac''s STS, DTS and SRX models.

Novelis is involved in bauxite mining, alumina production, chemicals, primary aluminum production, aluminum rolling and recycling in Brazil. The company employs approximately 2,100 people throughout the country.

In 2000, Novelis completed a $370-million investment in its Brazilian operations to further secure its position as the region''s leading producer of aluminum rolled products. The company''s main assets in Brazil are the aluminum smelters in Aratu (BA) and Ouro Preto (MG), aluminum rolling operations in Pindamonhangaba and Santo André (SP), and nine hydropower plants located throughout the Estate of Minas Gerais.