The Middle East’s aluminium industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Leaders across the sector are driving innovation, integrating digital technologies, and embracing sustainability to create more efficient, low-carbon production processes. In a series of exclusive interviews, industry pioneers share their insights on advanced casting techniques, automation, digitalisation, and decarbonisation strategies that are setting new benchmarks globally.
Are you in a dilemma of whether to invest in the region’s aluminium industry, expand your business or collaborate with existing enterprises from the Middle East?
In this article, we try to decipher the notions of the business leaders through the excerpts from the interviews featured in the Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025 magazine by AL Circle, giving us a more in-depth understanding of the whats, hows and whys of the middle eastern region’s progress in the aluminium value-chain industries.
According to Joel Hatfield, Head of Global Sales of Hazelett Corporation, the business’ twin-belt casting process is a paradigm shift in aluminium production. By directly casting molten aluminium into a thin, flat slab and feeding it immediately into a hot rolling mill, the process achieves extraordinary throughput, up to 62 tonnes per hour on wide casters, while reducing carbon emissions by roughly 37 per cent compared to conventional methods. In his words, “By integrating with key partners and ensuring a seamless supply chain, from molten metal to rolling, our process guarantees unmatched quality and efficiency.”
This continuous, energy-efficient method has been successfully implemented at the Oman Aluminium Rolling Company since 2013, setting a high standard for both performance and sustainability.
Speaking about advanced coil processing and digital integration, Antonio Perego, Sales Manager, Aluminium Division at FIMI Group has divulged that FIMI Group is at the cutting edge of coil processing technology. According to Antonio Perego, the company has developed patented systems for acid and alkaline degreasing, levelling, and tension control, which deliver high-efficiency, low-waste production. He adds, “Our digital platform offers total remote control of plant performance, ensuring efficiency in production and energy consumption.”
FIMI’s innovative ‘Digital’ platform provides comprehensive remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, ensuring not only superior production performance but also lower energy consumption. Strategic partnerships across Turkey, Morocco, Algeria, and the Gulf states have further bolstered FIMI’s regional presence, reinforcing its role as a key player in the advanced processing of aluminium.
Automation and Industry 4.0 are monumental for redefining manufacturing — in the Middle East and elsewhere alike. Michael Fliessbach, Board Member and VP of Business Development, FSM Group / General Manager, FSM Europe GMBH has shared that the enterprise is redefining manufacturing with its comprehensive suite of automated solutions.
Michael Fliessbach highlights the integration of traditional metalworking processes—sawing, milling, laser cutting, stamping, and assembly—into fully automated production lines, “Our fully automated production lines, integrated with advanced data monitoring, allow for quick adaptations and maintain the high precision demanded by our clients.”
This approach not only increases productivity and precision but also supports the growing demand for lightweight and structurally superior components, particularly in the electric vehicle sector.
FSM’s turnkey solutions and global support network are instrumental in meeting modern aluminium production’s complex requirements and overcoming challenges posed by global supply chain disruptions.
With deep roots in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, EPIQ Machinery exemplifies localised excellence. Vivek Kumar explains how EPIQ’s specialised equipment, from BROCHOT rod shop solutions to AD anode handling systems and MECFOR anode slot cutting machines, has significantly enhanced operational efficiency in key smelters. A case study in Bahrain demonstrated a 10 per cent increase in equipment availability and a 20 per cent reduction in operating expenses following targeted interventions and continuous on-site support.
As per Vivek Kumar, MENA Regional Director, EPIQ Machinery, “Our proximity to key markets and our understanding of local operational challenges enable us to deliver customised, cost-effective solutions that boost productivity.”
Additionally, EPIQ’s investment in digital solutions, including advanced MES software and auto-guided vehicles (AGVs), underscores its commitment to merging technological innovation with operational agility.
There is also a hand-in-hand effort for decarbonisation and circular economy across the globe, and the Middle East is no exception in the matter.
In a sector poised for net-zero targets by 2050, Salman Shaban of Lucky Group emphasises the critical role of decarbonisation. With over 20 years of experience in metal recycling and aluminium manufacturing, Shaban outlines how primary smelters across the Middle East are investing in renewable energy, enhanced recycling capabilities, and low-carbon processing technologies.
“The aluminium industry will require large-scale deployment of new power assets, emerging technologies, and innovative approaches to processing recyclable aluminium across various value chain segments,” voices Salman Shaban, Director, of Lucky Group.
His vision highlights integrating recycled materials into production processes—a key driver in achieving the circular economy and sustaining global competitiveness amid rising environmental standards.
Digitalisation has been and will be, for the future decades, the backbone of modern aluminium production. As Oman’s first aluminium smelter, Sohar Aluminium has been a trailblazer in the digital transformation of the industry. By embracing Industry 4.0 technologies such as robotics, autonomous cranes, AI vision systems, and IoT-enabled process optimisation, Sohar Aluminium has set a benchmark for operational excellence. Recent innovations like the Carbon Under Pin (CUP) system and Booster’s Anodes auto measurement showcase the tangible benefits of digitalisation in improving efficiency, safety, and environmental performance.
Looking ahead, Sohar Aluminium plans substantial investments in automation, Industrial IoT, and advanced analytics, reinforcing its commitment to sustaining a low-carbon, digitally integrated production environment. They share, “Digitalisation drives higher productivity, cost efficiency, safety, sustainability, and competitiveness in the aluminium industry.”
These conversations have illustrated in detail a dynamic and interconnected future for the Middle East aluminium industry. From Hazelett’s groundbreaking casting process and FIMI’s digital coil processing to FSM’s automation, EPIQ’s localised support, Lucky Group’s decarbonisation strategies, and Sohar Aluminium’s digital innovations, regional leaders are united by a shared vision — to build a more efficient, sustainable, and competitive aluminium sector.
For further details and the complete interviews, please refer to the full features in the Aluminium Middle East: Focus 2025 magazine by AL Circle.
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