Alumex Expands Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities to Produce Best Global Brands of Aluminium Proprietary Systems with AI

Managing Director - Pramuk Dediwela  

Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector is undergoing a gradual shift towards greater automation, precision engineering and sustainability driven production, with companies increasingly investing in technologies aimed at improving efficiency and strengthening long term industrial competitiveness. Against this backdrop, Alumex PLC 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. 

Replacing one of the oldest presses installed in the early 2000s, the new state-of-the-art system designed in line with Industry 4.0 standards and equipped with advanced digital and AI-enabled capabilities, represents a step-change in manufacturing sophistication. Purpose-built to support the production of high-precision global brands of aluminium proprietary systems for the best leading global brand owners, the new line materially strengthens the ability to deliver superior quality, greater design complexity, and consistent output at scale.

The latest investment reflects the company’s broader strategy of integrating advanced manufacturing technologies into its operations while responding to evolving industry requirements in construction, infrastructure and industrial segments.

Established in 1988 and later becoming part of the Hayleys Group in 2010, Alumex has grown into Sri Lanka’s leading aluminium extrusion manufacturer, supplying products and solutions to both local and export markets. Over nearly four decades, 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.  

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

According to the company, the short stroke configuration enables faster production cycles while maintaining greater precision and consistency in extrusion quality. The moving stem mechanism also allows improved operational control during the extrusion process, supporting uniformity across finished products and reducing 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. Alumex expects the line to exceed production levels of 1,000 kilograms per hour, with estimated monthly output capacity surpassing 2,000 metric tons.  

The investment comes at a time when aluminium demand is increasingly being shaped by urbanisation, infrastructure development and the growing use of lightweight, recyclable materials across construction and industrial sectors. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on balancing production scale with energy efficiency and sustainability performance. Alumex 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.  

Beyond production capacity, the investment reflects a broader move towards Industry 4.0 manufacturing practices. The facility incorporates IoT enabled systems that allow real time monitoring and integration of production data, supporting improved operational visibility, process optimisation and faster decision making across manufacturing operations. The new extruder additionally includes an integrated production management system intended to enhance plant productivity and operational control.  

The latest development builds on Alumex’s wider focus on technical capability and product innovation. Beyond manufacturing, Alumex has increasingly positioned itself as a solutions provider to the construction and engineering sectors. Through AluSys, the company supports architects, consultants and engineers with technical design assistance, profile optimisation and project-specific solutions aimed at improving accuracy and efficiency throughout the design and installation process. The platform enables customers to evaluate technical requirements at an early stage while helping improve system performance and reduce project complexities.

The company also 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. Supporting this approach is an ongoing investment in research and development. Alumex’s technical teams continuously evaluate emerging technologies, material innovations and evolving market requirements to develop solutions that meet changing industry needs. According to the company, this commitment to innovation has enabled it to maintain product consistency while adapting to increasingly complex architectural and engineering requirements in both local and export markets.

Its Alumex Training Academy has trained more than 30,000 individuals over the past 27 years, contributing to skills development within Sri Lanka’s construction and manufacturing industries. The Training Academy remains a significant component of the company’s industry development efforts.

Established 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 trainees have progressed to become technicians, entrepreneurs and business owners operating within Sri Lanka’s construction and manufacturing sectors.

Beyond workforce development, the academy also contributes to strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises through technical knowledge transfer and industry partnerships. By supporting skills development across the value chain, Alumex aims to improve fabrication standards, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to the growth of a technically skilled workforce capable of supporting the country’s expanding construction 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 governance (ESG) standards. The company 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.  

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. These material specifications are designed to deliver the strength, durability and performance required across a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial applications.

According to the company, every stage of the production process is subject to quality control procedures and testing protocols aimed at ensuring compliance with both local and international standards. Products are supported by long-term warranties on powder-coated and anodised finishes, reflecting confidence in their durability and long-term performance under varying environmental conditions. The company’s continued investment in manufacturing technology, testing capabilities and process controls has played an important role in supporting its export ambitions and maintaining consistency across diverse market requirements.  

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. The company currently exports to more than 17 countries including the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Canada, while continuing to explore opportunities across emerging markets in the Far East and Africa.  

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

The company’s broader expansion strategy has also included investments in research and development, technical consultancy services and integrated aluminium solutions aimed at supporting Sri Lanka’s evolving construction and infrastructure sectors. With increasing emphasis being placed on sustainable buildings and energy efficient structures, aluminium based systems are expected to play a growing role in future urban and industrial development.  

As regional manufacturing industries increasingly compete on efficiency, technology and environmental performance, investments in advanced automation and data driven production systems are becoming a defining factor in long term competitiveness. For Alumex, the latest expansion represents not only an increase in production capacity, but also a broader push towards precision manufacturing and higher value industrial capability aligned with international standards.