The industry he once described as being more important than the bronze or iron ages has been in the news for the past year for much different reasons.
US President Donald Trump ordered a 10% tariff on aluminium imports (along with 25% on steel) under national security legislation to counter a production glut and alleged dumping by China.
The tariffs were also applied to European and Canadian manufacturers, who actually account for most of the products exported to the US. The multinational Alcoa, based in the US but making 86% of its output outside of the US, says the tariff is costing it $US15 million a month.
Gilbert Ullrich, who has lamented the "dark storm clouds that will bring about new challenges," was supportive of Mr Trump’s election and his commitment to protect it as an American industry.
Ullrich has long been chief executive of the business started by his father in 1961 but now in his mid-70s oversees the transtasman company from his retirement in Gold Coast.
Sons Ernest jnr and Conrad play an increasing role in Ullrich Aluminium, which employs more than 700 people and consists of a network of 45 facilities in all the main centres throughout Australasia.
Annual sales are about $200 million with a product range across marine, industrial, commercial, domestic and designer applications. It also says it is among the advance guard of a new technology with improvements in aluminium metallurgy, quality and finish that “promise to revolutionise this industry.”