National Aluminium Products Company (NAPCO) will increase its annual production capacity to 43,000 tonnes per year by the end of this year.
The Oman-based aluminium extruder is embarking on a period of expansion following a record-breaking 2015, which saw production and revenues rise to record levels.
NAPCO has also revealed its intention to achieve a twofold increase in its 2015 production level by the end of 2017.
In comments made to Construction Week, Robert Holtkamp, chief executive officer of NAPCO, said: “Given the ideal product mix, NAPCO could produce around 22,000 tonnes [of aluminium] per year with its existing equipment. In 2015, we produced 18,126 tonnes, which was very good.
“We’re now expanding by another 19,000 tonnes, bringing this capacity to approximately 38,000 tonnes. We’re also refurbishing all of our presses, which should give us an additional 4,000 tonnes. In full swing, we’ll be able to produce 42,000 tonnes per year,” Holtkamp revealed.
The NAPCO chief expects expansion activities to complete before the end of 2016. He explained: “Some of our increased capacity is already on line, and by the end of [April 2016], everything should be commercially operational. As is typical in the manufacturing sector, it will take a few months to conduct appropriate training and get everything lined up.”
The firm has also purchased a vertical powder coating line, which is able to accommodate up to 8m, taking its total powder coating capacity to 27,000 tonnes per year.
NAPCO intends to increase aluminium production by up to 50% in 2016, compared to last year. By the end of 2017, Holtkamp and his colleagues intend to double this figure.
“In 2016, we’re planning to increase production by up to 50% over last year. In 2017, we’re looking at doubling the figure achieved in 2015. NAPCO is likely to rank somewhere in the top 10 of the extrusion world by the end of 2016. We should be placed in the top five by the end of 2017,” he added.