To assess the influence of ceramic reinforcements on the solid-state transformations that proceed during processing, fabrication and application of particulate-reinforced age-hardenable aluminium alloys (PRA), microcalorimetry and differential scanning calorimetry investigations were carried out in combination with microstructural and mechanical investigations. PRA-material studies were conducted on the AlCuMg (2014), AlMgSi (6061, 6082) and AlZnMgCu (7075) alloy systems containing Al2O3-and SiC-particulates with volume fractions between 10-25%. In order to cover the whole range of PRA-production and application, the consequences of the presence of ceramic particulates were investigated with respect to high-temperature exposures (homogenisation, extrusion, solution treatment), to cooling rates from solution treatment and to precipitation strengthening by natural and/or artificial ageing. The various effects are highlighted for selected PRA-systems and PRA-conditions, and the overall mechanisms are discussed. Implications for modifications of processing and fabrication parameters in order to optimally exploit the potential of PRA-material are discussed.