Manufacturing

Emirates Global Aluminium has confirmed that its Al Taweelah facility sustained significant damage during the recent missile and drone attacks on Khalifa Economic Zone Abu Dhabi, carried out by Iranian forces.

Damage assessments at the site are ongoing as the company works to evaluate the full impact on operations.

A number of EGA employees were injured in the incident, although none of the reported injuries are life threatening, the company said. Safety and security remain the company’s foremost priority.

Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of EGA, emphasised the firm’s commitment to protecting its workforce, “The safety and security of our people is our top priority at EGA at all times. We are deeply saddened and are assessing the damage to our facilities.”

EGA’s Al Taweelah smelter, one of the largest aluminium production sites in the UAE, produced 1.6 million tonnes of cast metal in 2025.

The facility also maintained substantial metal stock, both in transit and at certain overseas locations, which has helped mitigate immediate supply impacts amid the conflict.

The attacks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with the UAE’s industrial and energy sectors increasingly exposed to geopolitical risks.

EGA has assured stakeholders that it is taking all necessary measures to safeguard employees and secure its assets while evaluating the operational consequences.

Industry observers note that Al Taweelah plays a central role in the regional aluminium market, and any disruption could affect global supply chains.

EGA has historically supplied large volumes of cast aluminium to international markets, making the safe resumption of production a priority for both domestic and export operations.

The company is coordinating with local authorities and emergency response teams to manage the situation and restore operational stability.

Detailed reports on structural damage and potential production losses are expected as assessments continue.

EGA reiterated that its focus remains on workforce welfare, facility security and business continuity, while closely monitoring developments related to the ongoing regional conflict.

Bahrain-based aluminium producer Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has confirmed that its operations were affected by an Iranian attack on Saturday, 28 March 2026, prompting immediate safety and damage assessments at the site.

The company reported that two employees sustained minor injuries during the incident.

Both cases were treated promptly, with no serious harm recorded. Alba emphasised that safeguarding its workforce remains its highest priority as it responds to the situation.

In a statement, the company said it is currently evaluating the extent of damage to its facilities while implementing precautionary measures to ensure the continued safety of personnel and infrastructure.

Emergency protocols were activated following the incident, in line with established operational and safety procedures.

Alba stated that it is closely monitoring developments and coordinating internally to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to protect employees and stabilise operations.

The company has also indicated that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Fire-resistant glazing specialist Pyroguard has strengthened its regional scope through a new manufacturing partnership with South Glass, aimed at meeting rising demand for fire safety solutions across India and the Middle East.

The collaboration amounts to a major step in Pyroguard’s expansion strategy, establishing a dedicated production base in Hyderabad.

The company said that this move could improve supply chain efficiency, reduce delivery times, and enhance technical support for clients operating in fast-growing construction markets.

Industry demand for fire-rated glazing has increased in recent years, driven by rapid urban development and stricter building safety regulations. Pyroguard said its local manufacturing capability will allow it to respond more effectively to these requirements while continuing to comply with Indian standards and its own international performance benchmarks.

The new facility will produce a range of fire-resistant glass products for use in doors, partitions, façades and curtain walling systems. By manufacturing locally, the company works more closely with architects, developers and contractors to supply customised solutions suited to regional specifications and project needs.

According to the company, the expansion also supports improved safety outcomes by assuring consistent access to certified fire protection materials. Fire-rated glazing plays a key role in containing flames and smoke, helping to protect building occupants and support evacuation in emergencies.

Pyroguard has supplied the Indian market for more than a decade from its European operations, aiding projects such as Vivanta by Taj Dwarka and commercial developments in Noida and Hyderabad. The new plant is expected to build on this track record by providing locally produced materials that meet the same quality and accreditation standards as its UK and French facilities.

Among the products to be manufactured are Pyroguard Protect and Pyroguard Firesafe E120, both designed to deliver high levels of fire resistance. The company confirmed that its 13 mm glazing solutions have undergone extensive testing to meet Indian standards, achieving classifications that demonstrate their ability to limit heat transfer and maintain soundness during fire incidents.

Steve Goodburn, Business Development Director at Pyroguard, said, “India’s rapidly growing infrastructure and commercial real estate sectors, combined with tighter fire safety regulations, are driving strong demand for high-quality fire-rated glazing. Our local manufacturing presence enables closer collaboration with customers, reduced lead-times and improved support for architects working to local specifications across India and the Middle East.

“Pyroguard has a well-established sales presence in India and a dedicated team based here. Local manufacturing strengthens our commitment to the market and ensures architects, developers and contractors benefit from our quality, speed and service.”

 Zebra Technologies Corporation has identified worker safety and real-time operational visibility as central to the evolution of manufacturing, as companies invest heavily in digital tools to strengthen frontline performance.

Findings from the company’s latest industry study, conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics, show manufacturers are allocating an average of 69% of their IT budgets to technologies that connect workers, improve asset visibility and automate workflows. These investments are increasingly being directed towards solutions that enhance safety while maintaining productivity in complex industrial environments.

A key trend highlighted in the report is the growing use of on-demand digital training tools to address workforce challenges. Manufacturers are deploying interactive kiosks, smart devices and video-based learning platforms to provide instant access to safety procedures, operational guidance and troubleshooting support. This approach allows workers to respond more effectively to risks on the shop floor, while accelerating onboarding and reducing human error.

Industry experts note that improving access to safety-critical information can significantly reduce workplace incidents, particularly in high-risk sectors. By embedding training into daily operations, companies are also aiming to close skills gaps and improve employee confidence, which can contribute to safer working conditions.

Zebra also pointed to the increasing adoption of edge computing and machine vision technologies to enhance quality control and prevent defects before they escalate into safety issues. These systems use artificial intelligence to analyse production processes in real time, identifying anomalies such as equipment faults or product inconsistencies that could pose risks if left unaddressed.

By processing data at the source, manufacturers can take immediate corrective action, limiting the likelihood of defective or unsafe products progressing along the production line. This shift from reactive to proactive quality management is helping organisations reduce waste, improve compliance and strengthen overall operational safety.

Stephan Pottel, manufacturing strategy director for EMEA at Zebra Technologies, said intelligent automation is playing a crucial role in supporting safer, more efficient factories. He noted that advanced technologies are enabling organisations to better manage labour shortages while equipping workers with the tools needed to operate in increasingly automated environments.

In parallel, traceability technologies such as RFID and machine vision are being adopted to improve transparency across supply chains. These systems allow manufacturers to track materials and components throughout production, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards, particularly in industries such as aerospace, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

As global supply chains evolve, the integration of digital solutions is expected to remain a priority, with safety, compliance and sustainability emerging as key drivers of investment.