EGA to strengthen relationships in Europe at GIFA 2015

Aiming to solidify ties with the European market and take advantage of growth opportunities, Emirates Global Aluminium ("EGA") will participate at GIFA 2015, which takes place in Germany from 16 to 20 June. Taking place every four years, GIFA provides a platform for industry networking as well as showcasing innovations that will shape the future of the sector. It is the largest aluminium exhibition in Europe and the most important trade fair in the world for foundry technology.

This makes GIFA a key event for EGA, which is one of the largest and leading suppliers of foundry alloys to the automotive industry where they are used in the manufacture of wheel rims, sub-frames, suspension parts, cross members, engine blocks and engine cradles among various other applications. Consistency of product quality and high metal purity ensure the continuous demand for EGA's re-melt foundry products.

Ranked among the world's five largest primary aluminium producers, EGA's core operating subsidiaries Dubai Aluminium ("DUBAL", also known as EGA Jebel Ali) and Emirates Aluminium ("EMAL", also known as EGA Al Taweelah) have a combined annual production of 2.4 million tonnes per annum. This also makes EGA the largest primary aluminium producer in the GCC region, accounting for approximately 50 per cent of total regional production capacity.

Europe is EGA's second largest market, with almost a quarter of EGA's total annual production being exported to Europe each year (23 per cent in 2014) – comprising mainly billet and re-melt foundry products. EGA first shipped metal to the European market in 1996, and today ships products to about 24 countries in Western and Eastern Europe, via 44 discharge ports across the region.

"Given that the European Union as a whole needs to import approximately 60 per cent of its primary aluminium requirements, there is abundant opportunity for us to achieve continued growth in sales to Europe," says Walid Al Attar (Chief Marketing Officer: EGA). "Our participation in GIFA demonstrates our deep commitment to the region, which is affirmed by our well-established offices in Zurich and Milan."

Al Attar adds that EGA sustains long-term relationships with customers, suppliers and partners through mutual trust and delivery on promises. "Events such as GIFA provide an opportunity to strengthen these relationships as well as to widen our business network and ensure future growth," he says.

EGA and its core operating subsidiaries have participated successfully at GIFA for many years. As in prior years, the EGA exhibition stand at the 2015 event will showcase EGA's industry leadership – specifically its high quality aluminium products, proprietary in-house developed technologies, exemplary operating practices and commitment to sustainability.