Gulf Extrusions, one of the largest aluminium extrusion plants in the Gulf, is capitalising on the numerous business and networking opportunities at the second Middle East Aluminium Conference.

The two-day event opened today (February 18) at the Park Hyatt, Dubai.

Gulf Extrusions - the silver sponsor of the event - will showcase its vast experience in aluminium extrusion, a factor that has enabled the company become one of the biggest regional players in this field.

On the opening day of the conference, the general manager of Gulf Extrusions Modar Al Mekdad addressed the audience on the demand, supply and project opportunities in the extrusions sector. He also touched upon topics such as the demand for extruded products from the region’s construction sector; the gaps in the market; the areas where investment should be directed; and the steps to be taken to ensure the quality of the region’s extruded products.

“The regional aluminium industry is currently witnessing a period of steady growth, thanks to the phenomenal boom in the construction sector across the Middle East. The number of extrusion presses in the region has increased from a mere seven in 1980 to 85 in 2007, which is a good indicator of the fast growing demand for aluminium products in the region,” said Al Mekdad.

“The Middle East Aluminium Conference will provide the right platform for aluminium industry players to come together and discus everything from market opportunities and challenges in the industry, to issues related to sourcing of power and raw materials,” he added.      
  
The demand for aluminium extrusion in the Middle East region as a whole is expected to reach an average of 450,000 metric tons in 2008, with KSA, Qatar, UAE and Kuwait accounting for most of the demand.      

Gulf Extrusions produces over 14,000 profiles, ranging from architectural sections to components for household items, AC grills and customised products. The company also extrudes products of several European suppliers and companies under agreement.

Nearly 70 per cent of the output generated by Gulf Extrusions is used in the local market to support the building and construction projects. The export markets include South East Asia, GCC countries, Europe and Canada.

The second Middle East Aluminium Conference has brought together more than 150 industry leaders, making the event an ideal platform for developing new business partnerships and investments. – TradeArabia News Service