The new organisational structure of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), a leading and modern aluminium smelter, was geared to enhance efficiency levels throughout the company, said its chairman.

Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji, Alba’s chairman of the board of directors, said that the new organisational structure included greater participation of Bahraini nationals at the highest level with 32 management positions, of which only three are expatriates.

The new structure, which was based on the recommendations of a global consultancy firm after a thorough study of Alba’s operations, was prompted by the need to protect the company from the negative consequences of the economic crisis.

“Alba, which is one of the main contributors of Bahrain’s economy, currently faces competition from new smelters in the region,” said Al Kooheji.

“As a result, the board of directors has taken bold steps to help Alba continue maintaining its leading position in the aluminium industry, increase the company’s competitiveness and open new avenues for Alba’s high quality products,” he added.

Al Kooheji said that the changes were implemented after a study made by a global consultancy firm. He added that the study was supervised by the executive management and reviewed by the Alba chairman and members of the Alba labour union.

Al Kooheji added that the Bahraini workforce has been given new authority and greater responsibility in the new structure.

This is because of the board’s trust in the capabilities of Alba’s Bahraini employees since they have been the cornerstone behind Alba’s success, and offer the most reliable answer in coping with the challenges that lie ahead.

“We are committed to our Bahraini employees, and proud to have reached Bahrainisation levels of more than 90 per cent even at the highest levels,” said Al Kooheji.

“The expatriate employees are temporarily available in positions that lack the availability of suitable national workforce qualified to take up these responsibilities with the required competence that matches Alba’s position locally and internationally.”

“The new structure includes 32 management positions, three of which are expatriates. This is a major improvement when compared to the old structure. It proves Alba’s commitment to the national expertise,” Al Kooheji continued.

“These steps are supported by the labour union, who worked side by side with the Board of Directors and with the Executive Management in approving the new structure while taking into consideration their recommendations.”

The new organisational structure has been necessitated not only by the current economic crisis but also due to the emerging competitive environment in the region with the setting up of new smelters, he said.

“It is necessary, therefore, to adopt a new approach to enhance our competitiveness and maintain our pioneering position amongst the world’s aluminium smelters,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service