Industry
From The Report: Bahrain 2019
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Bahrain is one of the most diversified economies in the GCC region, due in large part to a well-established manufacturing industry. The kingdom’s biggest industrial segment by far is aluminium production, and its importance is set to grow further with the launch in 2019 of a new pot line at national aluminium producer Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), which will increase the firm’s capacity by nearly half. A range of other manufacturing segments are also well established, including refining and petrochemicals, and recent years have seen growing foreign investment in the development of other industrial segments such as food and pharmaceuticals.

This chapter contains an interview with Tim Murray, CEO, Alba.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Strength and diversification: Key industries continue to grow as relations with important neighbouring trade partners flourish
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Bahrain is one of the most diversified economies in the GCC region, due in large part to a well-established manufacturing industry. The kingdom’s biggest industrial segment by far is aluminium production, and its importance is set to grow further with the launch in 2019 of a new pot line at national aluminium producer Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), which will increase the firm’s capacity by nearly half. A range of other manufacturing segments are also well established, including refining…

Interview

A new line of business: Tim Murray, CEO, Alba, on the investment dividends at the company, industry and national levels
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Interview:Tim Murray What effects do you expect expansion to have on sustainability and five-year growth projections? TIM MURRAY: Rising energy costs and energy conservation are matters of great concern to production processes all over the world. Primary aluminium smelters have a responsibility to develop and implement technologies that promote energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. As a corporate citizen, we seek to adhere to the highest quality standards, and we have implemented…

Analysis

Sustained capacity: The aluminium segment continues to grow and exports thrive, despite the imposition of US trade tariffs
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Bahrain is a major player in global aluminium production, and the sector in turn dominates industrial activity and is one of the largest sources of export revenue. The industry’s economic contribution is set to rise further, with a major expansion project at the kingdom’s state-owned aluminium manufacturer due to come on-stream soon, raising output by 50% at a time when international aluminium prices have recovered from recent lows. The expansion should help facilitate the continued development…

Analysis

Industrial revolution: The kingdom aims to be a regional centre of innovation, facilitated by global progess in automation, 5G and artificial intelligence
OBG
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Recent years have seen increasing signs of the emergence of what has been dubbed a Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), also known as Industry 4.0. This revolution relies on machine-to-machine communication, also sometimes known as the internet of things (IoT), 3D printing and artificial intelligence. The shift has a number of important implications. The most well documented is the potential for automation to disrupt labour markets. A related potential consequence is that outsourcing to low-wage…

Overview

Into high gear: Economies around the world are preparing for the opportunities and challenges brought about by the next industrial revolution
OBG
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The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are presenting emerging markets with opportunities such as improved productivity, as well as risks, namely reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as the Gulf states, that have the resources to invest in new technologies, and those with better established manufacturing sectors, such as countries in Southeast Asia, appear best placed to reap the benefits of the 4IR. Many…

Overview

Into high gear: Economies around the world are preparing for the opportunities and challenges brought about by the next industrial revolution
OBG
plus

The global economy is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), or Industry 4.0, based on the application of new digital and automated technologies in production processes and service delivery. These changes are presenting emerging markets with opportunities such as improved productivity, as well as risks, namely reshoring and the displacement of human labour by automation. Wealthier emerging markets, such as the Gulf states, that have the resources to invest in new technologies, and those with better established manufacturing sectors, such as countries in Southeast Asia, appear best placed to reap the benefits of the 4IR. Many…