Turkey becomes a big market for aluminium exporters

Aluexpo 2011, supported by Talsad, is also host of the 5th Aluminium Symposium organised together by Talsad, Tubitak MRC — The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Marmara Research Center and Uctea Chamber of Metallurgical Engineers, was a place to discuss all aspects of Turkish aluminium sector.

Qatalum has wrapped up its participation in Aluexpo 2011, the aluminium technology, machinery and products trade fair, which concluded in Istanbul, Turkey recently.

Qatalum’s participation in the event, which offered insight into the growing markets of Turkey and the Eurasian region, followed on the recent announcement that the smelter has started full production, and in light of Turkey becoming an increasingly important market for aluminium exporters.

Said Tom Petter Johansen, Qatalum CEO: “Having entered a new phase, Qatalum wishes to explore various markets and opportunities and, having participated in ALUEXPO it is apparent that Turkey holds various lucrative opportunities. Not only did the event provide an excellent platform for us to meet our global counterparts, but it also enabled us to investigate new export destinations and locate potential investment projects within Turkey.”

Qatalum’s Deputy CEO, Khalid Mohamed Laram, added: “Having successfully participated in Aluexpo, we believe that Qatalum is well placed to utilise the opportunities Turkey has to offer in various sectors.”

Aluexpo held last year, was successfully completed with the participation of the members of TALSAD - Turkish Aluminium Industrialists’ Association, prominent aluminium producers of our country and many sector suppliers from all around the world.

Aluexpo 2009 had a total of 201 exhibitors, 132 local and 69 foreign from 21 countries, in 6092 sq-m net stand area and 9229 visitors from 51 countries.

With a number of Turkish clients already on its books, Qatalum’s current exports to Turkey are robust with a plan for a substantial increase by the end of the year. With a production capacity of 585,000 metric tonnes per year, Qatalum is set to additionally contribute a significant portion towards GCC aluminium production.

In addition, due to aluminium’s excellent recyclability and the leading-edge, low environmental impact technology used by Qatalum, the smelter is one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly to ever be constructed.