EGA, the first aluminium company in the world to have recognised as an Industry 4.0 global lighthouse

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is the first industrial company in the United Arab Emirates and the first aluminium company globally to have been identified as an Industry 4.0 global lighthouse by the World Economic Forum.

This recognition is specifically awarded to EGA's Al Taweelah site in Abu Dhabi but testifies to the company's relentless efforts towards transforming the operational efficiency of the aluminium industry by implementing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.

EGA began its digitalisation journey in 2021 to enhance operational efficiency, cost effectiveness, agility and flexibility, and safety and sustainability.  Since then, the company generated a financial impact of some $100 million through implementing more than 80 Industry 4.0 use cases, like using artificial intelligence to check carbon anode production quality in real-time and applying predictive tools to determine market movements in key commodities. EGA even upskilled more than 3,000 employees to adopt these groundbreaking digital solutions.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "Designation by the World Economic Forum as an Industry 4.0 global lighthouse is recognition of the speed, quality and depth of EGA's digital transformation to further boost our global competitiveness. Just over four years ago, we set ourselves a bold aspiration to lead the region and the global aluminium sector in Industry 4.0. Today advanced technologies at EGA are driving industrial process efficiency, quality, safety and sustainability. I am convinced we are still just scratching the surface of what we can achieve with Industry 4.0 at EGA."

Carlo Nizam, Chief Digital Officer at Emirates Global Aluminium, said: "Our recognition as an Industry 4.0 global lighthouse by the World Economic Forum reflects EGA's commitment to digital transformation and innovation. We are proud to be at the forefront of Industry 4.0 in the global aluminium industry, and this achievement motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of industrial digitalisation."

Kiva Allgood, Head of the Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains, World Economic Forum, said: "Across our Global Lighthouse Network, digital technologies are revolutionising production ecosystems. From AI-driven control towers to zero-code workflows, Lighthouses exemplify sustainable innovation, setting benchmarks millions can follow to drive transformational change across the entire ecosystem."

Last year, EGA undertook two notable initiatives to enhance its digitalisation programme. One was the development of the region's first 100 per cent renewable energy-powered industrial data centres at Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah sites, and the other was the launch of one of the first digital manufacturing platforms with Mircosoft.

As an aluminium company, if you have also undertaken key digital initiatives that have significantly transformed your operations, improving cost efficiency and energy optimisation, share the story with the global audience through our upcoming e-Magazine: "Digital Transformation in ALuminium Industry: Drivers & Changemakers of 2024."