Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), one of the largest aluminium smelters in the world, has recorded sales of 445,370 metric tonnes (MT), marking an increase of 4.3 per cent for the first half of the year as against the same period of 2010.

The company beat its own forecast for the period and exceeded the sales figures from the previous year by 18,305 MT, a statement said.

Sales for the second quarter of 2011 rose to 228,357 MT versus 226,539 MT for the same period last year.

Production figures for the year-to-date were up by 3.5 per cent from 421,659 MT for the same period of 2010.

In addition, value-added sales accounted for 67 per cent of the total sales in the first six months of 2011 versus 62 per cent for the same period in 2010.

The increase in Alba’s sales figures is due to the successful implementation of a focused marketing strategy, and enhanced productivity achieved during the last two quarters, a statement said.

There has also been a sound push to boost value-added sales in the European market; hence, the opening of the sales office in Zurich will support further the developments in this zone, it added.

“The success Alba achieved in the first half of 2011 is primarily due to the remarkable team spirit shown by Alba workforce in enabling the company meet its goals,” said Laurent Schmitt, Alba’s chief executive.

“Our sales and production figures prove that progress can be accomplished despite the prevalence of severe challenges. We are confident that with the support of our loyal and dedicated employees, Alba is well-placed and remains optimistic with a positive outlook for the remainder of 2011,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service