Charbel Saliba, with a background in economics, ventured into entrepreneurial endeavours shortly after completing his university studies. He successfully built and sold several businesses independently before his career took a significant turn. This pivotal moment came when his father-in-law introduced him to the industrial heating industry. He gained extensive knowledge about the field and business operations in general from his father-in-law's mentoring and guidance. This support proved invaluable as Charbel navigated this new industry. Reflecting on these experiences, Charbel expresses deep gratitude, recognising their crucial role in shaping his professional journey. These formative experiences have led to his current success and the accomplished professional he is today.

AL Circle: Can you briefly overview Thermika Heating Systems' history and the initial inspiration behind developing the Infrared heating system for industrial processes?

Charbel Saliba: In 1990, an international aluminium extrusion company showed keen interest in pioneering technology for heating extrusion dies. Prompted by this, our team embarked on the journey of crafting an Infra-red heating system tailored for industrial processes. This endeavour culminated in the creation of a highly efficient Infra-red die-heating oven.

AL Circle: What early challenges were faced when developing the Infra-red die-heating oven in the 1990s? How has the technology evolved from its initial design to the state-of-the-art systems you offer today?

Charbel Saliba: The focus shifted towards developing a sophisticated control system to optimize operational processes within the facility. A simple, quick, reliable, and efficient system was needed.

Today, we take immense pride in presenting the industry's most cutting-edge control systems, coupled with an enhanced high-efficiency Infra-red heating system. This synergy has propelled Thermika die ovens to the pinnacle of advancement in aluminium extrusion, setting new standards for excellence.

AL Circle: What makes Thermika's Infra-red heating system unique compared to other heating technologies in the market? Can you elaborate on the technological advancements in your systems that make them the most advanced in the industry?

Charbel Saliba: The following are the responses:

• Thermika's heaters are about 90% more efficient than the competition's! kW for kW, Thermika Ovens are faster than their competition.
• Energy savings: Thermika oven power must only be "on" when a die is heated.  Lid up, power "off".  We observe that our competitor's ovens are "on" all the time. 
• No air required.  The lid actuator is also electric as you know already.  Thermika is not just easy to install; it's 'plug and play', making the process hassle-free and convenient. All stainless-steel body
• Thermika ovens are manufactured and assembled entirely in our facility in Canada.

AL Circle: How do Thermika's heating systems improve efficiency and productivity in aluminium extrusion plants?

Charbel Saliba: More even and thorough die heating due to Thermika Heat Panel Vs the competition's tubular heater. 

Less scrap as starter billet is not required on most dies since dies are evenly heated and do not require the billet to heat up the die

Plugged dies should be eliminated as the die is evenly heated, and cold spots are normally the reason for plugged dies

Reduced broken dies for the same reason

AL Circle: What are the key differences between your front-loading and top-loading Infra-red die ovens? Could you highlight some of the improved features in your latest top-loading oven model that have contributed to its success? How do your ovens ensure a long-life span, and what materials or construction techniques are involved?

Charbel Saliba: Front-loading ovens tend to be preferred for larger tooling due to their size. While the technology and heating systems remain consistent across both front-loading and top-loading Infra-red systems, the primary advantage of drawer front-loading systems lies in their facilitation of easier handling for larger tooling, providing a clear understanding of their use.

Our ovens boast construction that is entirely made of stainless steel. We prioritise using premium materials to guarantee the prolonged lifespan of our equipment.

AL Circle: How is Thermika's commitment to energy efficiency reflected in your products and operations? What role does the green leaf certification from the Energy Conservation Organization for Industry (ECOfI) play in your brand's reputation and customer trust?

Charbel Saliba: We specialise in crafting custom-built infra-red ovens, enabling us to tailor each unit to the specific needs of our customers. This flexibility empowers us to optimise power usage, ensuring efficient heating of the dies, a capability that sets us apart from the competition.

The approval and certification from ECOfI are more than just a symbol. It's a testament to our dedication to quality and performance standards. This green leaf certification not only signifies our commitment to excellence but also plays a crucial role in reinforcing our credibility in the industry, enhancing our brand reputation, and building customer trust.

AL Circle: Can you discuss any recent innovations or improvements that aim to enhance the energy efficiency of your heating systems?

Charbel Saliba: To enhance overall efficiency, we've implemented minor adjustments to our heating panels, oven lid sealing, and insulation properties.

AL Circle: How has Thermika's technology impacted the aluminium extrusion industry globally? How do you see the future of industrial heating technology evolving, and what role will Thermika play?

Charbel Saliba: Thermika's technology has significantly impacted the global aluminium extrusion industry. By introducing advanced heating solutions tailored to the specific needs of manufacturers, we've improved production processes, enhancing efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Our commitment to innovation has set new standards for performance and reliability, earning us a reputation as industry leaders.

AL Circle: What are some current trends in the aluminium extrusion industry influencing the development of heating systems? How does Thermika stay ahead of industry challenges and maintain its competitive edge?

Charbel Saliba: Looking ahead, we anticipate continued evolution in industrial heating technology. With sustainability becoming increasingly important, we foresee a greater emphasis on energy-efficient solutions and environmentally friendly practices. Thermika is poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution, leveraging our expertise to develop cutting-edge technologies that meet the industry's evolving needs.

AL Circle: How do you envision Thermika's role in promoting sustainable and energy-efficient practices within the industry?

Charbel Saliba: Through continuous research and development, collaboration with industry partners, and a commitment to excellence, Thermika strives to lead the way in promoting sustainable and energy-efficient practices, driving positive change and innovation in the aluminium extrusion industry.