ALUPCO pioneers sustainable aluminium for the energy transition era

Dec 4, 2025 9:43 AM

The Saudi aluminium giant marks 50 years by accelerating green manufacturing, solar frame production and circular economy initiatives ahead of its 2027 IPO

As it concludes its 50th anniversary, Aluminium Products Company (ALUPCO), the Middle East’s largest aluminium extruder and one of the world’s top seven, aims to redirect the proceeds of its planned 2027 initial public offering (IPO) toward an aggressive sustainability agenda.

The company is expanding recycling, producing low-carbon 'green billets', scaling solar-panel frame manufacturing and delivering energy-efficient building systems that support the Kingdom’s net-zero ambitions and the wider energy transition.

Founded in 1975, ALUPCO began with a clear vision: To contribute to the region’s industrial development by producing world-class aluminium products locally.

ALUPCO’s journey reflects five decades of dedication, growth, and excellence. What started as a modest facility has evolved into a modern powerhouse, supplying high-quality aluminium profiles to key sectors including construction, architecture, transportation, and energy across the GCC and beyond.

Over the years, ALUPCO has continuously embraced technological advancements and sustainable manufacturing practices, staying aligned with the kingdom’s vision for industrial excellence and environmental responsibility.

Sharing his thoughts on the landmark occasion, Khaled Abdelmoneim, ALUPCO’s CEO, says: 'Celebrating 50 years is not just about looking back, it is about honouring our legacy while building the future. ALUPCO’s success has been driven by the trust of our partners, the commitment of our employees, and our continuous pursuit of innovation. As we enter the next 50 years, we remain dedicated to delivering sustainable solutions that empower progress and shape tomorrow’s industries.'

As the company approaches the threshold of the next 50 years, it has signed a landmark agreement with Asia Aluminum Group (AAG), a major Hong Kong aluminium extrusion manufacturer with a production base in mainland China, to build the largest integrated downstream aluminium industrial base in Saudi Arabia, with dedicated capacity for solar panel frames and energy-efficient modular systems.

The partnership will form three joint ventures, including AAG member companies AluHouse and MacMetal.

With a total investment of up to $500 million, the companies will build the largest integrated downstream aluminium industrial base in Saudi Arabia, focusing on aluminium extrusion, modular housing, and solar panel frames.

This is the latest milestone in ALUPCO’s journey, which has grown from a Saudi extrusion specialist into a diversified group delivering façades, windows, curtain walls, steelworks, woodworks, fitouts, and lighting solutions.

The company operates extensive facilities in Dammam and Jeddah, and maintains commercial offices in Riyadh, Dubai (UAE), Cairo (Egypt), and Orlando (US).

With over 1,300 customers served, 10,000 projects completed, and 30-plus countries in its distribution network, ALUPCO illustrates Saudi industry’s globalisation and savvy alignment with government initiatives.

'When ALUPCO began, we had a dream; to build something lasting for Saudi Arabia and the region. Seeing how the company has evolved into a regional leader is a source of pride for everyone who was part of the journey,' says Abdelmoneim.

The shift away from being purely a commodity-driven extruder has been deliberate.

'We now produce components we once sourced externally, leveraging our extrusion capabilities. This makes us both supplier and customer,' Abdel-Moneim says. 'The benefit? We choose our clients, avoid poor payers, and protect our cashflow.'

The company’s portfolio now extends from architectural systems to turnkey building envelope solutions, supported by subsidiaries such as PRISMA by ALUPCO, which delivers high-end glazing and facade systems, and Aluman ME, which focuses on cost-effective, sustainable facades and window systems.

The acquisition of Habitat International has added wooden doors, kitchen cabinetry, and cladding to its offering.

'ALUPCO’s 50th anniversary represents the strength of our shared vision, values, and the determination to achieve excellence. We look forward to the next chapter of growth and innovation,' says Abdellateif Al-Mubarak, Chairman, ALUPCO.

Over the past 50 years, ALUPCO has built more than an outstanding reputation in the aluminum industry; it has earned the trust, admiration, and loyalty of partners and customers around the world.

'Over the past half century, ALUPCO has contributed to the development of the aluminium industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region, enhancing the concepts of quality and innovation in this vital sector,' says Mohamad Numan Madi, Regional Manager, Madar Bahrain Building Materials.

Another client Mehboob Rehmat from Al Musbah Group says: 'What truly sets ALUPCO apart is their integrity, reliability, and forward-thinking vision. Their continuous investment in technology, sustainability, and customer relationships reflects a leadership that understands both the needs of today and the aspirations of tomorrow. For us at Al Musbah, ALUPCO has been more than a supplier; they have been a long-term partner whose values align closely with our own.'

Over the past five decades, ALUPCO has set a benchmark for excellence and innovation in the aluminium industry. As a trusted partner, Al Rajhi Aluminium is delighted with its remarkable journey of growth and development,' says Abdullah Ali Al Rajhi, GM, Saleh Abdullah Ali Al Rajhi & Company for Aluminium.

With an eye on Saudi Vision 2030, ALUPCO continues to contribute to national development through advanced manufacturing, energy-efficient solutions, and partnerships that drive innovation.

DRIVERS OF TRANSFORMATION

ALUPCO’s recent modernisation has been fuelled by several strategic imperatives:

• Diversification and value-added products: The company has introduced powder coating, anodising, thermal-break systems, and fabricated components to capture higher margins and serve the construction, automotive, and renewable energy sectors.

• Technological upgrades: This included automation, CNC machining, robotic finishing, ERP and MES systems, and Industry 4.0 tools for real-time data collection and process optimisation.

• Strategic partnerships: This involves setting up joint ventures with international technology providers and global brands in construction and energy.

• Sustainability: The company is implementing recycling programmes, producing 'green billets', and investing in energy-efficient processes in response to tightening environmental regulations.

LANDMARK PARTNERSHIPS & GIGA-PROJECT SUPPLY

Among ALUPCO’s most significant recent deals is a strategic alliance with PIF-backed real estate developer ROSHN Group.

The partnership involves establishing a fully automated, high-tech aluminium facility in Riyadh, with investment exceeding SR1 billion ($270 million).

'The new facility enables production of aluminium doors, windows, and curtainwalls, reducing reliance on imports and external suppliers,' Abdel-Moneim says. 'This improves quality control, timing, and cost predictability.'

ALUPCO’s partnership with Array Technologies, a global leader in solar tracker systems, enables it to supply advanced extrusions for utility-scale solar installations across the MENA region, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy push.

The company’s order book includes some of the region’s most high-profile projects:

• Jeddah Tower: ALUPCO is supplying precision-engineered façade aluminium designed for extreme vertical loads and climate conditions, under a contract with United Arab Aluminium Company (UAAC).

• The Red Sea Project: ALUPCO is delivering aluminium and glass façade systems for hotels and entertainment venues on Shura Island, as part of a consortium with Prisma Metal Industry.

• Sedra (ROSHN): ALUPCO is a long-term supplier of doors, windows, and curtain walls for residential and commercial developments.

• NEOM administrative buildings: ALUPCO is supplying over 8,350 sq m of aluminium glass facade systems with high thermal performance.

ALUPCO has also delivered its 50SG curtain-wall system for projects including Riyadh’s Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Al Hayat Gloria Hotel, and administrative towers (in collaboration with fabricators such as ALUTECHS and Rataal).

A growing share of these projects now specifies aluminium components that contribute to LEED and Mostadam credits, underlining the company’s role in energy-efficient envelopes for both buildings and solar infrastructure.

IPO TO UNLOCK GREEN GROWTH CAPITAL

The planned IPO will serve as a launchpad for the company’s next growth chapter, providing capital for manufacturing expansion, especially solar-frame and low-carbon extrusion lines, technology upgrades, market entry, and acquisitions, while enhancing its visibility, credibility, and competitive edge in the global sustainable materials market.

Listing will also support talent recruitment through equity incentives, and drive stronger governance, transparency, and operational discipline to sustain long-term growth.

Abdel-Moneim sees multiple benefits: improved market visibility, stronger brand trust, enhanced governance, and greater ability to attract top talent.

'Being listed on a public exchange enhances the company’s visibility and reputation,' he says. 'It builds brand trust with clients, suppliers, and partners, improves credibility when bidding for large-scale projects, and differentiates ALUPCO from private competitors in the regional aluminium industry.'

Public listing will also 'facilitate global partnerships' by making it easier to form alliances with international players in the renewable energy supply chain and secure financing for cross-border green aluminium ventures.

Environmental responsibility is embedded in ALUPCO’s operations. The company runs in-house aluminium recycling facilities, reintroducing scrap and off cuts into the extrusion process.

It uses high efficiency melting furnaces, heat recovery systems, and smart lighting to reduce energy consumption.

Water from anodising and powder-coating processes is recycled, and low-VOC chemicals are used where possible.

ALUPCO holds ISO 14001 certification, and its products meet LEED standards, contributing to green building credits. The company is also exploring solar energy integration at select plants.

'We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and aligning with circular economy principles,' Abdel-Moneim says.

Exports account for over 30 per cent of ALUPCO’s production, with key markets including France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, the US, India, Egypt, Sudan, and Morocco, and with rising demand for certified low-carbon solar frames and energy-efficient profiles.

ALUPCO’s evolution mirrors the kingdom’s own industrial diversification drive, moving up the value chain, integrating technology, and targeting global competitiveness in the materials that will power the energy transition.

With the IPO, new manufacturing facilities, and sustained investment in sustainability, the company is positioning itself not only as a regional leader but as a global force in low-carbon aluminium solutions.