ALUMEX

EXPANDING AI DRIVEN MANUFACTURING FOR GLOBAL ALUMINIUM SYSTEMS

Sri Lanka’s leading aluminium extrusion manufacturer Alumex has unveiled a major expansion of its aluminium extrusion capabilities – with the introduction of a new high capacity production line at its fully owned manufacturing facility in Sapugaskanda.

The new facility materially strengthens the company’s ability to deliver superior quality, greater design complexity and consistent output at scale – as it is purpose-built to support the production of high precision and leading global brands of aluminium proprietary systems.

“The new state-of-the-art system is designed in line with Industry 4.0 standards, and equipped with advanced digital and AI enabled capabilities in place of one of the presses installed in the early 2000s. This represents a leap in our manufacturing sophistication and aligns with our strategy to enhance manufacturing capabilities to meet evolving demand across the construction, infrastructure and industrial sectors,” says Pramuk Dediwela.

At the centre of the expansion is a newly installed 20 MN 7 inch aluminium extrusion line from a high precision extrusion press manufacturer, incorporating advanced short stroke moving stem extrusion technology – a more compact and efficient alternative to conventional long stroke presses commonly used across the industry. 

In addition, it enables faster production cycles while maintaining greater precision and consistency in extrusion quality. Its moving stem mechanism enables improved operational control during the extrusion process, supporting uniformity across finished products, and reduces process inefficiencies. 

One of the key operational advantages of the new production line is its significantly reduced dead cycle of approximately between 14 to 16 seconds, enabling faster throughput compared to conventional systems. The line is expected to exceed production levels of 1,000 kilogrammes an hour with estimated monthly output capacity surpassing 2,000 metric tonnes. 

Alumex’s Managing Director estimates that “the technology can generate energy savings of between 30 and 40 percent compared to traditional extrusion systems, while enhanced process control and optimised handling are expected to improve yield efficiencies to between 89 and 92 percent.” 

He elaborates: “The new facility incorporates IoT enabled systems for real-time monitoring and integration of production data, supporting improved operational visibility, process optimisation and faster decision making across manufacturing. The new extruder includes an integrated production management system intended to enhance plant productivity and operational control.” 

Further, Alumex continues to support architects, consultants and engineers with technical design assistance, profile optimisation and project specific solutions through AluSys, to improve accuracy and efficiency throughout the design and installation process.

It provides technical guidance on product application, installation practices and system performance, enabling customers to maximise the long-term value of aluminium solutions across a wide range of projects.

The Alumex Training Academy has trained more than 30,000 individuals over the past 27 years, contributing to skills development within the construction industry and manufacturing sector as Sri Lanka’s first dedicated aluminium fabrication training centre.

The academy provides technical training, practical fabrication skills and industry knowledge for both newcomers and experienced professionals. Many of its trainees have progressed to become technicians, entrepreneurs and business owners operating in the construction industry and manufacturing sector.

The company has also continued strengthening its international positioning through globally recognised certifications and an expanding export footprint.

Alumex became the first extruded aluminium product manufacturer in Sri Lanka to secure the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard Certification, reinforcing compliance with internationally recognised environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards.

It is also the first and only manufacturer in Sri Lanka to achieve QUALANOD certification for its anodised aluminium range, alongside QUALICOAT and QUALICOAT Seaside certifications for powder coating quality and corrosion resistance, particularly important for coastal and high humidity environments. 

In addition, Alumex operates in line with internationally recognised ISO standards covering quality management, environmental responsibility and occupational health and safety, while also maintaining Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) certification for product quality and reliability.

Product quality continues to be a central pillar of Alumex’s manufacturing strategy. The company manufactures aluminium extrusions using internationally recognised alloy standards – including 6063 and 6060 alloys for architectural applications; 6082 alloys for hardware solutions; and 6005 alloys used in solar mounting systems for strength, durability and performance across a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Sustainability has also become an increasingly prominent component of its operational strategy. Alumex currently operates aluminium recycling facilities capable of processing more than 12,000 metric tonnes annually.

Meanwhile, the company has expanded beyond conventional aluminium profile manufacturing into a wider portfolio that includes architectural systems, curtain walls, facades, windows, doors, handrails, fencing solutions and industrial aluminium applications. 

Established in 1988 and later becoming part of the Hayleys Group in 2010, Alumex supplies products and solutions to local and export markets in more than 17 countries including the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Canada, while exploring opportunities across emerging markets in the Far East and Africa.

The company’s broader expansion strategy includes investments in research and development, technical consultancy services and integrated aluminium solutions, aimed at supporting the evolving construction and infrastructure sectors.

– Compiled by Yamini Sequeira

COMPANY DETAILS

• Telephone: 2400332
• Email: info@alumexgroup.com 
• Website: www.alumexgroup.com