Bahrain Aluminium Extrusion Company (Balexco) is rolling out key growth plans that include the introduction of a unitised curtain-wall system and installation of new thermal break assembly machinery at its facilities.

The Bahrain-based aluminium extrusion firm recently launched the Balexco Luxury System, a lift-and-slide thermal break system with good thermal insulation properties, which is considered “top of the line” in the company’s high-value products.

The Luxury system, which contains a package of 10 profiles, five gaskets, seven thermal insulators and accessories, can be used as both sliding and lift and slide, just by opting for different hardware and accessories.

The Balexco Luxury System is doing well in the GCC and Middle East markets, besides Bahrain, said Jassim Seyadi, CEO of the company.

Other systems the company offers include the Balexco 60 curtain-wall, the 45/45i casement series and the 100 sliding series.

Balexco’s integrated manufacturing facilities located in the Sitra Industrial Area include four extrusion presses, an anodising and powder coating line, remelting and casting plant.

The company also has a special fabrication centre, which produces custom-made products that do not fall under the ambit of its fabricators.

Balexco's facilitities ... expanding.

In line with the company’s strategy to increase productivity and production capabilities, Balexco continues to upgrade its facilities and boost capabilities. Among such plans, the company intends to install state-of-the-art thermal break assembly machines, said Seyadi.

Balexco has completed revamping its three existing press lines, which have a capacity of 33,000 tonnes per year. “The revamp will provide one-stop solutions for a wide variety of customers,” said Seyadi. “As a long-term plan, the company will add a fifth press line that will shore up capacity by 8,000 tonnes per year.”

The company’s total output from all four presses last year was 20,515 tonnes.

Additionally, the aluminium extrusion company is planning to revamp its remelting and casting plant. “We are planning to separate casting (remelt) operation through a joint venture set-up to focus on our extrusion operation,” he said.

In terms of value-added services such as powder coating, Balexco is opting for a vertical powder coating line, which will boost its powder coating capability by 8,000 tonnes annually. “This might happen in 2015,” he said.

The company also recently saw the completion of a wastewater treatment plant that will be operational soon.

Commenting on Balexco’s prospects for the year, Seyadi said: “We are optimistic for 2014 on account of revamping and overhauling our presses. In addition, we have a well-established market share, internationally certified quality products and experienced staff.”

Its home market accounts for 25 per cent of its sales and the remaining output is exported to the GCC and other markets.

The architectural sector currently accounts for the bulk of Balexco’s business followed by the industrial segment. Its product mix comprises commercial extrusions such as flat and round profiles used in a variety of applications ranging from window and door frames to kitchen cabinets and system solutions comprising profiles, gaskets and accessories.

Over the past year, Balexco systems have been installed in a number of projects including a 19-storey tower in Juffair, a 13-storey building in Seef, an 11-storey building at Zinj and the Indian School’s new campus in West Riffa, all in Bahrain; as well as the American University and a 10-storey building in Kuwait.