Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) is on track to exceed the 2012 record output of 890,000 tonnes, the company says.

Chairman Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji said the figure would be an exceptional performance achieved despite tough market conditions. “Alba continues to push the limit on operational improvement with the launch of the ‘Project Titan’ cost improvement programme.  We feel Project Titan will not only be a key differentiator but will also give the company a cutting edge to maintain its competitive position in this industry,” he added.

Earlier, the company announced it posted a net income of BD66.1 million ($175.8 million) for the first nine months of 2013, up 50 per cent from BD43.9 million for the same period in 2012. Sales for the first nine months of 2013 were BD565.9 million compared with BD554.8 million for the same period in 2012, up 2 per cent.

The third quarter was marked with strong Saudi demand, a production increase of 4.7 per cent and a 48 per cent increase in physical premiums year on year. Value-added products accounted for 65 per cent of total shipments versus 66 per cent in Q3 2012.

Priorities Alba has listed are: a continued focus on safety programmes, leveraging the operational excellence programme, keeping a sustained focus on value-added sales and the Line 6 expansion project.

Microsoft and Alba have successfully completed the deployment of Microsoft Windows Server 2012. This now puts Alba on the cloud computing system while enabling it to cut operational costs dramatically.

Microsoft built Windows Server 2012 from the cloud up, applying its experience in operating global data centres that rely on hundreds of thousands of servers to deliver more than 200 cloud services. By deploying Windows Server 2012, Alba is now able to fulfil the company’s mission to provide IT services to the organisation with speed, agility and simplicity using a flexible and highly scalable cloud solution while cutting costs.

One of the highlights of the year was the successful completion of the rectiformers replacement in Potlines 1 and 2, one of the first brownfield projects of this magnitude anywhere in the world. 

Facilities of the calciner and marine department

The entire project – managed by Alba’s Power Project department with their primary contractor Alstom Grid SAS – was completed with over 1 million work hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI).

The new units were custom made for Alba by Alstom Grid SAS. They are packed with 30 per cent higher capacity equipment while some units are being installed with cross-connection facilities to provide additional back-up power to Potlines 1 – 3. 

Another notable event of the year was gaining membership of the Aluminium Extruders Council – the premier association for extrusion companies and suppliers in the US. The company said membership was aimed at consolidating its commitment to the growing US aluminium market.

As member, Alba will be able to participate in a vibrant exchange of technical and commercial information. It will have the additional benefit of taking part in training sessions, online programmes, seminars and conferences to learn of emerging technologies and industry trends and strengthen networking. 

Membership will also enhance Alba’s growth strategy in the important North American market and help the company understand new and emerging technologies for further product improvement.

SAFETY FOCUS

Alba’s priority on safety was highlighted by the recent launch of an HSE Week by the calciner and marine department. The week had presentations by the General Directorate of Civil Defence and the General Directorate of Traffic on safety-related subjects. Talks were delivered on road safety observation, lifting tackles, crane and vessels, environment and gas emissions and contractor safety awareness.

Commenting on Calciner and Marine’s HSE Week, Alba’s CEO Tim Murray says: “Alba greatly values safety and it is an integral component of our operations. We are committed towards achieving a zero accident work environment and will remain focused on all aspects of health, safety and environment, by implementing projects that will strengthen the core values of the company.”

Alba maintains safety awareness campaigns throughout the year, and this is accomplished through the weekly Monday safety hours, a five-minute safety talk before each shift, the annual HSE Week for all the departments, and the individual department-led HSE Week, which specifically focus on safety issues related to the departments.

The company also held recently a “Walk towards Zero Accidents” within the plant premises to increase overall safety awareness as well as promote a healthy lifestyle amongst all employees.

The company launched its first ever women’s vocational training programme on its premises in partnership with the Bahrain labour fund Tamkeen.

As part of the programme, 10 Bahraini women will receive specialised training courses for vocational skills over a 24-month period as well as several salary increments. The training cost and salary increments will both be supported by Tamkeen.

The training will help women to take up positions in departments including marketing, laboratory, process control, engineering and procurement.

Murray said: “Alba values its women employees who are pivotal in shaping the company’s success.”