Chief Executive's message

I wish to begin by saying that I consider coming on board a company, which has been a world leader in aluminium manufacturing, to be a matter of great pride and privilege.

The birth and growth of Alba figures amongst the most significant industrial success stories of the Gulf. This success has revolved around three factors: resolve, dedication and vision. Resolve from the 1960s, to initiate and grow a business with major impact on Bahrain's economy and the lives of its people; the dedication of the company's employees, especially Bahrainis, in ensuring on-going production, growth and technological innovation; and the vision of the Government of Bahrain and the company's successive boards of directors and senior managers, whose foresight and courage have ensured Alba's expansion into a major force in aluminium smelting worldwide.

I am thankful to the Alba Chairman, Mahmood Hashim Al Kooheji and the Board of Directors for entrusting me with the responsibility of building on this success. I am confident that with the combined talent of all of Alba's employees, we will be able to overcome the challenges of today and tomorrow.

I greatly admire Alba's strong foundations and contributions to the socio-economic development of Bahrain, especially in the training of Bahrainis, and hope to share some of my experience in unleashing their potential. Together we intend to accelerate Alba's growth as it aims to be the most competitive producer of primary aluminium, whilst continuing to focus unwaveringly on safety, people, the environment, cost, productivity and customer service.

In my interactions with various departments, I have found that they have set for themselves internal goals for achieving optimal efficiency, and together the entire workforce functions as a single team in fulfilling set targets. I am encouraged by this remarkable synergy as I take upon this role, reaffirming my commitment to continue strengthening Alba's competitive edge.

The global crisis has forced many challenges and like many others Alba has not been immune to them either. However, by initiating a stringent self appraisal and putting plans in place for enhancing operational efficiency as well as reducing costs, the company has been able to further extend its growth trajectory.

I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the Executive Management, the Alba Labour Union, and every Alba employee who remains our prime asset in meeting our organisational goals. I am confident that with such a strong team behind us, we will continue to uphold Alba's regional and global leadership and strengthen operational efficiency at every level.

Laurent Schmitt
Chief Executive Officer