An aerial view of Alba’s production facilities

ALBA has reported that its sales volume grew 2.3 per cent year on year in the third quarter of this year with output also showing an increase along with a rise in the proportion of value-added sales.

The company said it was on target to reach its annual growth targets with Q3 sales amounting to 232,922 tonnes against 227,758 tonnes. Production topped 233,496 tonnes for the same period, up 3,438 tonnes against 230,058 tonnes in Q3 2013.

Value-added sales jumped to 67 per cent vs 65 per cent in the same quarter of last year.

For the January to September period, sales stretched to 689,203 tonnes up 1 per cent YoY while production figures increased by 14,723 tonnes to reach 697,508 tonnes year to date.

“Alba continues to push the limit on operational performance. I would also like to thank all the employees of Alba for their efforts which allowed us as one team to achieve this success, “said CEO Tim Murray.

In other Alba news, the company launched its ‘Season of Change’ safety campaign to give emphasis to a zero accident work environment and to further reinforce the safety principles. The principles, it highlights, are: ownership of safety is everyone’s responsibility, safe working is a condition of employment and all work-related injuries are preventable.

Commented Murray: The Season of Change campaign is part of Alba’s continuous safety journey to achieve a zero accident work environment. Also, every new season brings change and at Alba we believe change equals opportunity. Around the world, the season of autumn represents the transition from the hot summer months to cooler temperatures. We see the changes in colours and as part of our campaign, we have decided to use these autumn colours as a way to raise overall safety awareness.”

As part of the Season of Change campaign, various activities are being held such as site visits, screenings of safety films, experts’ talks on safety-related topics and awareness sessions for all employees.

The new approach has been incorporated all over the Alba plant with large billboards and posters reflecting the Season of Change. In addition, separate employee badges reflecting the Season of Change are also being distributed to employees.

Alba, being one of the pillars of Bahrain’s economy, provided sponsorship support for the Invest in Bahrain 2014 Forum, which took place at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre last month. The sponsorship is a tangible demonstration of Alba’s support for Bahrain as a key investment destination.

The forum was organised by the Ministry of Industry & Commerce and held under the patronage of HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minster of Bahrain

Alba’s chief financial officer, Ali Al Baqali said: “Alba’s position as one of the world’s leading aluminium smelters is the result of Bahrain’s investor-friendly and forward thinking economic policies.” He said the forum provided an opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

The company also provided bronze sponsorship for the second exhibition of “Women and Labour-Opportunities and Choices” held in Bahrain. Alba’s administration director Abdul Rahman Janahi said: “Alba values its women workforce and considers them as equal contributors to the company’s productivity.”  He added that the event emphasised the company’s belief in empowering women and supporting their career development.

Meanwhile, A Chinese delegation led by the Chinese ambassador to Bahrain, Lin Zheming, was given a tour of the Alba smelter and an appraisal of its operations and safety and environmental systems.