HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, inaugurated Taweelah Aluminium Extrusion Company (TALEX), the regions most highly automated and flexible aluminium extrusion plant and the first such project to be established in Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD).
TALEX was formed through a joint venture between General Holding Corporation – SENAAT. The new company is the result of a $240mn investment to strengthen the Middle Easts downstream capabilities to spur industrial growth and broaden the emirates economic base, with growing demand for aluminium and its proprietary hard alloys in the global construction, automotive, locomotive, and aerospace industries.
Spreading over almost 200,000sqm, TALEX has an estimated production capacity of 50,000 tonnes per annum of aluminium profiles and 45,000 tonnes of aluminium billets for regional and international markets.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony, HE Ali Murshed Al Marar, chairman of TALEX, said: The inauguration of TALEX further strengthens the strategic pillars of Abu Dhabis focused industrial strategy in line with the economic diversification plan while building a competitive edge for Made-in-UAE industrial products. TALEXs ability to apply innovative operating systems that add efficiency to the process of supplying aluminium products is a shining example of UAEs increasing technological and industrial know-how. Our timing is also perfect, as worldwide demand for aluminium products is growing, which makes for an exciting future for this business.
The plant features state-of-the-art technologies and operating equipment offering an integrated aluminium cycle that starts with liquid metal, to casting, extrusion surface treatment and precision machining fabrication. TALEXs vertical integration and fully automated material handling and storing equipment guarantees the quality, traceability and shorter lead time of its products. In addition, TALEXs laboratories are equipped with the latest technology available to ensure continuous monitoring of its production processes to ensure that TALEXs products comply with the highest quality standards set by the most advanced markets around the world.
TALEX is one of the projects on the Hot Metal Road to receive liquid metal from Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). Molten aluminium is delivered in a crucible on a truck at 950oC, poured directly into TALEXs melting furnace. In this way, TALEX saves the cost of re-melting aluminium ingots.
HE Eng. Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, CEO, SENAAT, said: TALEX demonstrates SENAATs commitment to developing industrial downstream projects in the Emirate in full alignment with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. In addition, the plant complements Abu Dhabis vision to establish integrated industrial plants, to be the cornerstone of the Emirates industrial sector development. TALEX can respond quickly and cost-effectively to sophisticated customers’ demands for precision engineered aluminium products locally, regionally and internationally. Combined with the buoyant growth predictions for the global aluminium extrusion market of an anticipated CAGR of more than 6% by 2020, TALEX has a great future ahead of it.
HE Majid Saif Al Ghurair, vice chairman of TALEX, added: We have built a strong company with the best team of specialists in the aluminium downstream industry and successfully brought online TALEXs state-of-the-art technology. We are proud to run the most advanced and innovative aluminium extrusion plant in the Middle East, which has an exceptional potential to drive market growth and create value for its shareholders.
TALEX follows all environmental laws in the UAE and contributes to the environmental goals of Abu Dhabi, particularly in sustainable industry, as well as optimal use of resources. Waste from the treatment section is considered environmentally friendly due to its lack of toxic substances. The plant includes waste recycling system, supplied with a water treatment system that is completely free of all heavy metals and silica, further preserving the environment.