Record deal: Achenbach to build flagship aluminium foil plant in Saudi Arabia

Achenbach, one of the world’s leaders of aluminium foil rolling mills and slitting machines, has just landed the biggest single order in its history. The firm will be providing a cutting-edge aluminium foil plant to Tahweel Metal Industry Corporation (TMIC), as per the supply contract. The announcement was made in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, last week.

At a prestigious ceremony which was being attended by  His Excellency Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Al-Khorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, along with His Excellency Eng. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer, the State Secretary for Mining Affairs, where the order acquisition announcement was made. The foil company was represented at this significant event by President & CEO André E. Barten and Director of Global Sales Christian Schneider, both of whom made the journey to Saudi Arabia to be part of the occasion.

As per the order, the firm will set up a fully integrated aluminium foil plant, which will be the technological highlight of TMIC’s new industrial complex in Dammam, located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia. This facility is forecasted to hold the annual capacity of around 106 thousand tonnes of top-quality aluminium foil, catering to both local and international markets.

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TMIC, a proud subsidiary of Tahweel Holding, which was founded back in 2022, has made its mark as the first integrated aluminium foil manufacturer in the MENA region. They produce high-quality foil for a variety of uses, including food, pharmaceuticals and industrial applications. By investing in cutting-edge Achenbach technology, the company is on the road to becoming a key player in the global aluminium foil market.

Four Achenbach OPTIMILL foil rolling mills, an Achenbach AIRPURE® exhaust air purification system and six Achenbach OPTIFOIL slitting and processing machines are included in the supply package. Each system is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and a high level of automation, allowing high-quality production of top-notch end products while achieving outstanding productivity and sustainability, marked by low energy usage and minimal emissions.

Christian Schneider, Director Global Sales at Achenbach, said: “Saudi Arabia and the broader MENA region are emerging as some of the world’s most dynamic industrial hubs. With this project, Achenbach is establishing a presence in a previously untapped market. Our technological leadership and innovative capabilities convinced TMIC, and this project underscores our global competitiveness.”

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André E. Barten, President & CEO of Achenbach, highlighted the project’s strategic importance: “Securing the largest single order in our history strengthens our position as a global technology leader and showcases the capabilities of German machinery and plant engineering on international growth markets. This project also reaffirms our commitment to Buschhütten as a centre of innovation and production. All machines and equipment will be designed, manufactured, and largely pre-assembled at our facility, with over 500 highly skilled employees contributing to the project.”

In the first or second quarter of 2027, the order plant will be delivered and the commercial production is expected to begin by the third quarter of 2027.

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