Gulf Construction Online - Napco to double extrusion capacity

Oman

Napco's production facility.

Napco to double extrusion capacity

01 December 2001

National Aluminium Products Company (Napco), which has already provided aluminium inputs to some of the Gulf's most distinguished modern buildings, is in the process of doubling capacity through installation of another extrusion press. The firm is also looking at diversifying into newer areas within the aluminium products sector in the future.

In addition to offering a range of over 4,000 profiles annually to suit the architectural and manufacturing industries, Napco also develops exclusive dies for customers against their own designs. Its main partners are Al Anwar Industries, Gulf Investment Company, Kuwait, and Ominvest.

The company's range includes aluminium extrusions in mill finish, anodised, and powder-coated forms as well as in natural wood and marble finish. The company is also well known for providing facade designs from Wicona, Germany, and Brital of the UK with whom it has tie-ups. The company's brands also include Al Sadd windows and kitchens.

Al Sadd systems are durable, anti-corrosive, insect-resistant, waterproof, fireproof and easy to maintain. They are available in flexible units in a range of colors and styles to match the surrounding decor.

Wicona is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hydro Aluminium Systems, which is considered to be the largest producer of aluminium system sections in the world. Hydro Aluminium is part of Norsk Hydro, one of Europe's largest and most dynamic industrial groups. Among the ranges Wicona offers are Wictec for curtain-walls, Wicsky for structural glazing, Wicline for windows, Wicstyle for doors and entrances and Wicslide for sliding structures. Napco is the sole licensee for Wicona in the Gulf.

From Brital comes a facade system, which has been specifically designed and engineered in Europe for the environmental and manufacturing conditions prevailing throughout the Middle East. Brital's package of products and services has been vigorously tested in UK laboratories to conform to both British and US standards. Brital Systems' experience extends to involvement in some of the world's most striking buildings including the world's tallest edifice, the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the new trade centre in Hong Kong and the Microsoft Headquarters in the UK.

''These facts combined with full technical and logistical support from Napco, an ISO 9002 certified extruder, makes the company a potent new force in the market,'' a spokesman for the company says.

In recent years, Napco has been involved in the supply of aluminium extrusions through major contractors for prestigious projects such as the Burj Al Arab Hotel, the Jumeira Beach Hotel, the Emirates Towers, the Dusit Towers and the new Dubai International Airport.

Napco exports a major part of its output. Some15 per cent of its extrusions are sold in Oman, 65 per cent goes to the Gulf region and the rest is exported beyond the Gulf. A total of 18 countries are now receiving Napco products including France, the UK, Germany and the US. Acceptance by European importers of Napco products signifies its sophistication as aluminium standards in Europe are much tighter with no scratches or defects in colour being tolerated, the spokesman points out.

The company uses raw materials from Dubai Aluminium Company (Dubal), keeping in mind the logistical advantage of the relatively short distance between Muscat and the UAE city.

''Napco is able to impress because it keeps abreast of changing trends in the international arena,'' the spokesman says. ''With a consistent focus on quality, innovative designs and a global customer base, Napco has a significant presence in high-quality aluminium extrusions across the world.''

The company's plant includes an extrusion press from SMS Schloeman, an Edwards run-out system in addition to a well laid out material handling equipment, polishing lines, anodising lines and a powder-coating facility.

Its integrated order processing and production-scheduling systems are designed in a way that can provide maximum flexibility to customers, he adds.

''The quality initiatives spearheaded by a team of professionals include clear guidelines for prompt decisions in process parameters and a well-planned layout ensuring smooth and careful handling of inplant material movement,'' the spokesman says. ''The company's policy for all inputs - from aluminium billets and dies to process chemicals and spares - is based on long-term co-operation. Dies are sourced form some of the best producers in the world, there is systematic preventive maintenance at each stage and the employees check the quality of their own work. The extruding, anodising and powder-coating processes comply with international standards such as DIN/BS.''