ALUMINIUM Bahrain (Alba) hit a high mark when it reported output of 890,217 tonnes in 2012 against 881,310 tonnes achieved in the previous year.

The sales volume in 2012 remained almost stable at 890,291 tonnes compared with 893,020 tonnes in the previous year. Q4 2012 sales were 225,739 tonnes against 227,042 tonnes and the company closed 2012 value-added sales with an average of 65 per cent versus 62 per cent while value-added sales for Q4 represented 64 per cent of the total shipments compared with 52 per cent in Q4 2011.

The company marked the production jump of 8,907 tonnes with a celebration at the HRH Princess Sabeeka Oasis that was attended by its chief executive Tim Murray and senior officials.

Commenting on this milestone, the company’s chief operations officer, Isa Al Ansari, said: “Alba’s achievement was made possible by its dedicated workforce and great teamwork. We are proud to once again have achieved the record in production and look forward to even more in 2013.” Murray added that 2012 was a challenging year for the aluminium industry but that Alba’s commitment to operational improvements resulted in achieving the record in metal production without incurring any significant additional capital expenditures.

Al Jallabi: rewarded

As well as Murray and Al Ansari, officials present at the event included acting chief finance and supply chain officer Ali Al Baqali, chief support functions officer Basem Al Sharqi and chairman of the Alba Labour Union Ali Al Binali.

In other Alba-related news, the company received the Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC)’s maiden health & safety and environmental awards.

Murray commented: “It is always a pleasure to be recognised for the work we do in ensuring workplace safety, commitment to occupational health and adherence to environmental regulations. These measures have been taken not only to comply with best industry practice but more importantly to ensure a safe working environment for our employees so that the plant has a positive impact on the wider community in Bahrain.”

Murray, meanwhile, announced the appointment of Nabeel Ebrahim Al Jallabi as manager of operation support services. A Bahraini national, Al Jallabi joined the company in 1993 and since then held various senior positions in the operational side. He brings with him vast expertise in safety, training and HR-related issues along with a passion for community service.

“Ali takes great pride in providing leadership opportunities to national employees to drive the future success of the company,” said Murray. “We are confident that as the manager of operation support services Nabeel Jallabi will make a major contribution to the growth and development of his department.

Al Jallabi received a master’s degree in engineering in light metal technology from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, and a BSc in mechanical energy from the University of Bahrain. He previously served as process control and development superintendent. As part of his community involvement he has been a volunteer with in the JAz Bahrain and a member of Toobli Charity Service.