Alba’s Ambitious Growth Strategy: CEO Ali Al Baqali on Becoming a Global Aluminum Giant
Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), one of the largest and most influential aluminum smelters in the Middle East, is on a mission to become one of the world’s leading producers of aluminum. With nearly five decades of industry experience, Alba is known for producing high-quality aluminum products used in automotive, construction, and packaging. Now, Alba’s CEO, Ali Al Baqali, is leading the company into a new era of growth, driven by innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to global expansion.
In a recent interview with Mubasher, Al Baqali shared Alba’s bold vision to become a top player on the global aluminum stage. This ambitious strategy is being fueled by strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and targeted market diversification, all aimed at strengthening Alba’s position within the aluminum industry while remaining committed to environmental stewardship.
Strategic Partnerships for Sustainable Growth
Central to Alba’s expansion efforts are its recent alliances with prominent industry leaders focused on sustainability and operational efficiency. These partnerships underscore Alba’s commitment to environmental responsibility and efficiency in production, two critical areas for any company operating in the high-demand aluminum sector.
At the recent Gateway Gulf 24 event in Bahrain, Alba signed two major agreements: one with Japan’s Daiki Aluminum Industry and the other with ARRAY Innovation. Together, these partnerships highlight Alba’s commitment to a sustainable, tech-forward approach to aluminum production.
The partnership with Daiki Aluminum Industry will establish a cutting-edge aluminum dross processing facility in Bahrain. This facility, set to have an annual production capacity exceeding 25,000 tonnes, focuses on recycling aluminum dross, a waste byproduct created during the smelting process. This project is a vital step towards Alba’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, transforming waste into a valuable byproduct that can be repurposed.
“Our collaboration with Daiki Aluminum aligns with our vision of achieving operational efficiency and promoting sustainable practices,” Al Baqali stated. “This venture will support our goal of making environmental responsibility a core component of our production process while also adding significant value.”
In aluminum smelting, dross has historically been a challenge. Alba’s innovative recycling strategy with Daiki transforms this material into reusable aluminum, further showing Alba’s dedication to sustainable growth. The recycling facility is expected to significantly reduce Alba’s waste output, turning what was once a costly environmental burden into a revenue-generating resource.
Harnessing Advanced Technology for Efficiency and Safety
Another key partnership, with ARRAY Innovation, will bring advanced technology into Alba’s operations. ARRAY’s expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and smart manufacturing will be integrated into Alba’s existing processes to increase production efficiency, improve safety, and reduce operational costs.
According to Al Baqali, AI technology will optimize Alba’s production processes, enhancing both output quality and energy efficiency. This partnership is expected to establish new standards for safety and productivity in the aluminum sector, helping Alba meet growing global demand for sustainable aluminum solutions.
“ARRAY Innovation’s technology will allow us to improve energy use, production speed, and safety, critical elements of our strategy to become a global leader in aluminum manufacturing,” Al Baqali noted. “Our focus on AI-driven operations will also help us reduce emissions and operational costs, further underscoring our commitment to both efficiency and sustainability.”
Incorporating AI into Alba’s production processes is also expected to improve overall safety. Aluminum smelting is an intense process with high temperatures and safety risks, but AI systems will allow Alba to monitor conditions in real-time, predict potential hazards, and address issues before they escalate. This will enhance Alba’s reputation for maintaining stringent safety standards, while also positioning it as a forward-thinking, innovative player in the aluminum industry.
Expanding Market Presence and Navigating Global Challenges
While Alba has traditionally been a dominant player in the Asian market, Al Baqali emphasized that the company’s vision for growth is far-reaching. Alba is actively working to diversify its presence across Europe, North America, and other global markets, a strategy that will help mitigate potential risks associated with relying heavily on a single region.
“Alba’s growth strategy isn’t limited to Asia. We’re expanding into Europe, the US, and other key global markets to ensure a balanced, diversified presence,” Al Baqali said. “Currently, the local Bahraini market represents about 25% of our sales, but we aim to capture a broader global market share.”
The company’s diversification is increasingly important as Alba faces new geopolitical and logistical challenges. Recent global events, such as the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia and increased tensions in the Red Sea region, have impacted international shipping costs and logistics, necessitating adjustments to Alba’s market strategy.
“We’ve adapted our approach in light of the changing geopolitical landscape, focusing on diversified growth across markets,” Al Baqali explained. “Europe and the US have become key regions for our growth, as we work to expand Alba’s footprint and build resilience into our operations.”
Through this diversified strategy, Alba aims to maintain its resilience against external shocks and maintain steady growth despite the challenges in global markets.
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Strengthening Arab Collaboration and Industry Partnerships
In addition to expanding internationally, Alba is committed to strengthening collaboration with other Gulf nations. Through its participation in the Gulf Aluminum Council (GAC), Alba is actively working to strengthen regional cooperation in the aluminum sector.
Al Baqali highlighted the importance of partnerships with other Arab countries, particularly in technical training and industry expertise. Egypt, for instance, has become a key ally for Alba in its efforts to foster regional collaboration. “Egypt is an essential partner, particularly in the Arabal conference, where we share expertise and drive regional growth in the aluminum industry,” Al Baqali shared.
The Arabal conference, a premier event in the Middle East aluminum industry, is one of the only forums that includes representatives from all primary aluminum smelters in the region. Alba’s active participation in Arabal reflects its commitment to advancing the aluminum industry not just in Bahrain but across the Arab world.
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Building a Future of Innovation and Sustainability
Looking to the future, Al Baqali is optimistic about Alba’s path to becoming a global leader in aluminum production. With its focus on sustainable growth, technological innovation, and diversified markets, Alba is well-positioned to thrive in the global market.
Alba’s role in the global aluminum industry is increasingly important as industries such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, and construction depend on high-quality, sustainably produced aluminum. As Alba moves forward with its ambitious goals, the company’s strategy is clear: deliver long-term growth while making sustainability a core aspect of its operations.
“We believe that the future of aluminum production lies in sustainable practices and technological advancement,” Al Baqali concluded. “By investing in AI, market diversification, and regional partnerships, we’re building an organization that can lead the aluminum industry on a global scale.”
Alba’s journey to becoming one of the world’s largest aluminum smelters is well underway, and the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global expansion will undoubtedly set it apart as an industry leader for years to come.
