In a bid meet the needs of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 programme, ALUPCO, a leading building solutions provider, has created a new vertical – Integrated Solutions – to deliver end-to-end solutions at scale and at speed, eliminating traditional supply chains, fragmented contracting models and siloed manufacturing.

This strategic move positions ALUPCO as a critical enabler of the giga-projects being developed in the kingdom, offering a single platform of contact right from supply to delivery of various components of these complex projects.

Abdul Aziz AlGhamdi

In this exclusive interview with Gulf Construction’s Bina Goveas, ALUPCO Integrated Solutions General Manager Abdul Aziz AlGhamdi explains why the new vertical was formed, why it matters to Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects, and how ALUPCO’s landmark $500 million joint venture with China’s Asia Aluminum Group (AAG) will reshape the kingdom’s downstream aluminium industry.

ALUPCO has been extruding aluminium since 1975. For decades, it built its reputation on scale, quality and technical leadership. But as Saudi Arabia’s construction market evolved, clients increasingly wanted more than just profiles.

To address that gap, ALUPCO first created its Project Management Unit (PMU) to solve what it calls the “quadrilateral problem” – the challenges faced in coordination between developers, contractors, fabricators and suppliers. But the group quickly realised that true integration required more than coordination.

That insight led to the creation of ALUPCO Integrated Solutions, a new umbrella unit that leverages the strengths of its various units: The PMU; International Architectural Systems; ALUPCO Architectural Systems; Dynamic Engineered Solutions (tanks, MRO hangars, helipads, domes); and metal and fabrication operations.

All of these now report to one central delivery organisation that has the mandate to turn ALUPCO into one of the region’s most comprehensive construction solutions providers.

“The establishment of Integrated Solutions responds to the growing demand in Saudi Arabia and the region for holistic, end-to-end project delivery,” AlGhamdi explains. “Our market research indicated a gap where clients often navigate multiple vendors – developers, contractors, fabricators, and suppliers – which can lead to delays, misalignment, and cost inefficiencies. By uniting ALUPCO’s diverse capabilities under one umbrella, we are able to provide a single point of accountability, streamline project execution, and deliver high-quality solutions efficiently.”

Sameem Tower, Riyadh ... innovative architectural solutions.

Integrated Solutions is designed to function as a one-stop solution provider delivering complete engineered packages.

For clients, the benefits are practical and immediate. “Clients benefit from faster decision-making, predictable timelines, reduced risk exposure, and consistent quality across all aspects of the project. Essentially, we transform complex, multi-party projects into seamless, manageable experiences,” AlGhamdi emphasises.

For contractors and developers, dealing with one integrated entity rather than a cluster of independent suppliers, simplifies negotiation, communication and claims, while leveraging ALUPCO’s scale on both the client and supply side.

This model is particularly powerful in sectors such as housing, hospitality, healthcare, education, large-scale infrastructure and mixed-use, where multiple building systems must be delivered in parallel.

AlGhamdi argues that merely supplying aluminium profiles – however efficiently – limits how much value ALUPCO can capture from the construction pipeline. “By diversifying into fabrication, fit-out, raised floors, tanks, helipads and hangars, and by integrating these offerings through a single management structure, ALUPCO can secure a larger share of each project’s spend while offering a more coherent technical proposition,” he points out.

ALUPCO Integrated Solutions’ design and engineering capabilities focus on crafting project-specific architectural, structural and specialist aluminium solutions, ensuring that concepts are practical and aligned from the outset with how they will be fabricated and installed.

The project management arm, built on the PMU legacy, oversees the entire project lifecycle, from planning and procurement through to quality control and claims, giving clients a single accountable party and reducing coordination risk.

Liwan Project Riyadh ... a major project carried out by ALUPCO Architectural Systems.

Its fabrication and production capabilities span aluminium extrusion, metal works in aluminium and steel, interior fit-out elements, tanks, roofs, aircraft hangars and helipads, allowing multiple technical packages to be delivered in a coordinated manner by one provider.

The delivery and commissioning capability covers on-site installation, integration of different systems and final handover, helping projects reach completion more quickly and transition smoothly into operation.

In addition, ALUPCO’s joint ventures and strategic partnerships, including those with Asia Aluminum Group (AAG), one of the world’s leading aluminium manufacturers, and ROSHN, Saudi Arabia’s national multi-asset developer, and technology alliances in solar, modular construction and finishes, give clients access to advanced technologies and robust, localised capacity supported by international expertise. 

Projects with AAG

To support rapid scaling of production and product diversity, ALUPCO signed a $500-million master framework agreement in late 2025 with AAG to build the largest integrated downstream aluminium industrial base in the kingdom.

The project will take shape on a 1.5-million-sq-m site in Sudair, north of Riyadh, and is being developed in three major industrial streams:

• Extrusion facilities – to support the construction and solar industries, targeting initial capacity of around 100,000 tonnes in Phase One, with a long-term target of 200,000 tonnes;

• Solar frame fabrication – aiming to produce 30 million solar panel frames per year to support 25 GW of new solar projects;

• Modular housing production – in a tie-up with AAG member company AluHouse, targeting 30,000 residential modules annually through Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) systems.

According to AlGhamdi, Integrated Solutions plays a pivotal role in the joint venture by providing in-depth knowledge of Saudi Arabia’s regulatory and commercial landscape. Its expertise in local compliance, approval processes, and market conditions will enable the joint venture to enter the market efficiently. Backed by strong intelligence on major development and giga projects, Integrated Solutions aligns the venture’s strategy with national priorities. Moreover, ALUPCO’s established network and relationships will help secure future contracts, positioning the joint venture for long-term competitiveness and a sustainable project pipeline in Saudi Arabia.

Last month, Integrated Solutions signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant Saudi authorities to finalise arrangements for land allocation and infrastructure connections. Agreements for engineering and construction consultancy are expected to follow.

 What makes the ALUPCO-AAG joint venture unique is not just its scale, but its multi-sector positioning.

Integrated Solutions is active on some high-profile developments such as Shura Island, part of the Red Sea Project.

The extrusion lines will support Saudi Arabia’s vast construction pipeline – from giga-projects to commercial and residential developments. At the same time, dedicated lines will serve the fast-growing solar industry, producing frames and mounting structures.

AlGhamdi points out that as China leads the solar supply chain, this partnership gives ALUPCO access to AAG’s technology and networks, allowing it to serve Saudi Arabia, Asia and even the US market from the kingdom.

The general manager highlights the modular housing venture as a particularly powerful vehicle for technology transfer. The Chinese partner will not only provide designs and systems but also support in building local facilities and training Saudi staff. This supports national priorities for job creation and skills development, while enabling accelerated delivery of housing and social infrastructure.

Aluminium and glass works carried out by ALUPCO on a Shura Island project.

The joint venture will also enhance the established architectural systems brands in ALUPCO’s portfolio – Aluman, Vistawall and AluK – with new high-performance profiles, curtain-wall technologies and specialised systems adapted for Saudi Arabia’s climate and mega-project requirements.

By anchoring extrusion, solar frame production and modular fabrication in Saudi Arabia, these initiatives aim to ease logistical bottlenecks that have challenged giga-projects in recent years. 

Shorter lead times, lower transport risk and reduced currency exposure give developers and contractors greater certainty on both cost and schedule, AlGhamdi adds.

Al Shaikh Twin Towers in Al Khobar features ALUPCO’s systems.

ROSHN manufacturing platform

Another strategic pillar is ALUPCO’s partnership with ROSHN to establish a new facility to manufacture doors, windows and curtain-wall systems for the developer’s massive residential programme.

The plant will be fully integrated with ALUPCO’s metal and fit-out divisions, enabling the group to deliver complete building envelopes, from frames and glazing to metal works and finishing.

Sustainability is central to the design. “We will prioritise green materials, energy-efficient production and environmentally conscious engineering, in line with ROSHN’s goals and Vision 2030,” AlGhamdi says.

A recently completed private compound project implemented by ALUPCO’s PMU division.

While the plant is anchored by ROSHN’s housing demand, AlGhamdi notes that the site’s capacity and integration model will allow it to serve private and public housing schemes across the kingdom, effectively creating a national hub for residential façades and fenestration.

For ALUPCO Integrated Solutions, this provides a steady pipeline that can underpin investments in automation, quality systems and workforce development.

Misk Schools ... a key project carried out by ALUPCO’s PMU unit.

Delivering on giga-projects

Integrated Solutions is already active on some of Saudi Arabia’s most high-profile developments. Projects such as Shura Island at The Red Sea and the Misk School development that have been completed by the PMU have demonstrated how a consolidated approach to façade systems, fabrication and project management can compress lead times and sharpen risk control.

Integrated Solutions is now working with Red Sea Global, a developer of regenerative tourism destinations, and also expects to be involved in projects at Diriyah, the $50 billion programme to transform the historical city near Riyadh into a global hub for history, culture and lifestyle.

Misk Schools ... a key project carried out by ALUPCO’s PMU unit.

On these complex assignments, ALUPCO’s integrated team coordinates not only its own specialist divisions but also key suppliers of glass, accessories and façade components, creating economies of scale and a unified technical front-end for major developers.

Quality, scalability and resilience

Delivering such a broad scope of solutions demands rigorous quality control. Integrated Solutions relies on ALUPCO’s established fabrication network, strict materials management and consistent technical standards to maintain performance across diverse metal works, fit-out items and specialist structures.

Regular technical audits and integrated oversight by the project management team ensure that tanks, hangars, façades and helipads all meet both local and international codes.

On the procurement side, Integrated Solutions increasingly acts as a consolidator, buying glass, accessories and façade materials in larger volumes and passing economies of scale to clients while tightening technical control. 

ALUPCO has also carried out projects in Egypt including in New Alamein City.

AlGhamdi brings a rare combination of operational, supply-chain and manufacturing leadership to his role.

Before taking over Integrated Solutions, he was General Manager of ALUPCO’s core extrusion business, overseeing the Dammam and Jeddah plants and driving 25 to 30 per cent growth since 2023. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles in medical manufacturing and industrial materials, including as CEO of Shifa and also within the Mattex Group.

His diverse background in extrusion operations, supply chain management and leadership roles in other manufacturing sectors has given him a granular understanding of both industrial processes and project-side pressures. That experience is now being channelled into steering Integrated Solutions through its first phase of growth.

According to AlGhamdi, demand for integrated aluminium, façade and building envelope solutions in Saudi Arabia and the GCC is strong and growing.

Vision 2030 Mega-projects, industrial diversification, renewable energy, airport expansions and a sustained housing push are all feeding a robust pipeline, and all require aluminium, façades and engineered systems delivered at scale, he says.

Murcia Housing Project in Riyadh ... a major project handled by ALUPCO.

“Medium-term, we see increasing opportunities in industrial, mixed-use, and residential segments, particularly where integrated delivery and fast-track construction are required,” he notes.

Beyond its home market, Integrated Solutions is evaluating opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, airports and industrial facilities across the wider GCC, leveraging ALUPCO’s long history as a regional extrusion player. The combination of local manufacturing, JV-led technology upgrades and a proven project management platform positions the company to pursue cross-border work with a more comprehensive offering.

The immediate priorities for Integrated Solutions are clear: integrate operations, scale fabrication, deliver on the joint venture projects and deepen client relationships.

The creation of Integrated Solutions comes at a strategic inflection point in ALUPCO’s journey transforming it into a fully integrated solutions provider for the construction sector. 

“By combining fabrication, engineering, and project management, we deliver innovative, scalable, and high-quality solutions, enabling ALUPCO to address complex, multi-package projects end-to-end and strengthen its strategic leadership in the region,” AlGhamdi states.

For Saudi Arabia’s construction boom, this transformation is well timed. ALUPCO Integrated Solutions is positioning itself as a key enabler of the region’s next wave of construction and energy projects, bridging the gap between material suppliers and strategic project partners at a time when integration, speed, technical depth, reliability and resilience have never mattered more.