“Architects have shown great creativity in using aluminium for thousands of iconic designs around the globe”, Khaled Abdelmoneim, CEO, ALUPCO

Khaled Abdelmoneim was appointed the CEO of ALUPCO in 2009. With a robust 32 years of experience, he has held various positions across multiple industries in engineering, project management, sales, and general management. Khaled left his mark in esteemed multinational organizations like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo International before holding his position at ALUPCO. As CEO of ALUPCO, Khaled has diversified and expanded the company’s practices across the value chain with a global reach and sustainability top of mind.

AL Circle: How do you envision the future of aluminium in the construction sector? What trends or developments do you expect in the coming years?

Khaled Abdelmoneim: Like all other industries, the construction industry is heavily influenced by the rapid growth of digitalization, AI, and the Circular economy. Building information systems, 3D visualization and digital delivery, are some of the aspects that will play a vital role in the future of the industry. With today’s labour shortages coupled with the need for fast delivery, modular buildings are gaining an advantage over traditional construction. A circular economy calls for smart cities and improved manufacturing processes with improved carbon emissions. Aluminium plays a key role in providing smart solutions that meet current and future industry demands. It offers great design capability, lighter weight, and continuous improvement in carbon emission.

The use of technology will improve the whole supply chain from material management to production planning and improve efficiencies ending with optimum delivery and prompt customer service. While architects have shown great creativity in using aluminium for thousands of iconic designs around the globe, the need to develop more artistic designs and improved thermal insulation calls for more aluminium usage in the industry.

 AL Circle: In your opinion, what are the key advantages of using aluminium in construction projects?

Khaled Abdelmoneim: In addition to its strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, durability, low maintenance, availability and infinite recyclability, aluminium has the greatest advantage: limitless design capabilities. This provides superior for architectural system designers to offer many alternative solutions and beautiful artistic designs using aluminium.

Moving forward from traditional building structures into more lucrative skyscrapers, aluminium has played a vital role in the construction industry by going beyond reliable products to become a key ingredient in building green and sustainable buildings. The ability to produce thermal break windows and doors and non-reflective curtain walls increases the energy efficiency of buildings. Solar façade generates the energy required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provides self-sustainable buildings. Such evolving achievements are concentrated around the use of aluminium.

AL Circle: What efforts or initiatives are being undertaken by ALUPCO to promote the use of aluminium in the construction sector?

Khaled Abdelmoneim: Being the largest aluminium extrusion and service treatment company in the Middle East and Africa, ALUPCO's R&D team works closely with internal and external system designers, architects, major contractors, and project owners to make sure that we obtain the latest technologies and designs around the globe to be reimplemented regionally. 

ALUPCO works closely with leading industrial companies in the field of solar systems, tank covers, electrical production and transportation system, and EVs to promote our latest designs as well as collectively explore the possibilities of shifting material use to aluminium. As a major regional player, ALUPCO closely monitors aluminium trends and developments in the international market and constantly explores the regional implementation of the world's best practices from a process, design, and material (alloys) point of view.

The ALUPCO design team has led the development of over 30 different systems in the building and construction field, from simple systems for economical short-term implementation to very high-standard systems and solutions for more sophisticated landmark projects.

AL Circle: How is ALUPCO taking its place among industry giants in the year 2023?

Khaled Abdelmoneim: ALUPCO is one of the world’s top ten aluminium extruders and surface treatment companies. Our extrusion plants are in both Dammam and Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and are strategically located on the east and west coasts of Saudi Arabia, respectively. ALUPCO provides the best in class products and services to the Gulf region, Iraq, Yemen, Levant, India, Australia, North and Central Africa, Europe and North America. 

We have also ventured into project management to ensure better customer service through the initial state of the project design, material manufacturing, delivery and final installation. ALUPCO has also partnered with market-leading companies in the fields of fabrication, glass, rubber, wood, and façade lighting. This gives a complete building solution that delivers satisfactory results and ease of project management.

AL Circle:  How is ALUPCO supporting the world to attain net-zero emissions?

Khaled Abdelmoneim:  ALUPCO has always been focused on recyclability. Both plants in Dammam and Jeddah have had recycling facilities since inception back in 1978. The plants work on post-consumer scrap in line with LEED requirements. Additionally, they have been working with international suppliers to ensure meeting all international sustainability standards. At ALUPCO, we believe that our role towards creating a more sustainable world for future generations is of the utmost importance. The core of our practice operates with the dedication to building the future and restoring the past.

AL Circle: How did Alupco navigate the global turbulence during Covid and the Russian and Ukraine geopolitical crises?

Khaled Abdelmoneim: During Covid, ALUPCO was one of the few companies in Saudi Arabia that continued to work with less activity but also with no interruption. The cost management program that was put in place and the professionalism of our organization allowed ALUPCO to pass through this crisis with positive numbers. The Russian and Ukraine war has had a lesser effect on ALUPCO and is opening doors of opportunity for us in Europe due to the energy cost in this region.

Post crises, we are seeing a global shift in a new direction. Ultimately, we are seeing that 2023 is and will continue to be the year of recovery and stability that will allow us to build a solid base for the company's future growth in the core business and in the subsidiaries, all aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030.

AL Circle: What key factors will attract industry clients to ALUPCO in the coming year?

Khaled Abdelmoneim: Industrial customers seek long-term work relations and stability in the supply chain. ALUPCO is in one of the biggest aluminium production areas worldwide, with more than 6 million tonnes where the energy is guaranteed. Adding to the previous condition, the competitive labour cost, the international quality, and the process standards of ALUPCO are the factors that will attract this sector for the next years.

ALUPCO will play a decisive role in diversification within the aluminium extrusion industry and will be a pioneer in the way of understanding the aluminium business. Our target is to satisfy any necessities our customers will have related to aluminium and add the maximum value possible.