The construction sector is where dreams are drawn in blueprints and transformed into tangible marvels that shape our cities, lives, and futures. It’s a world of towering skyscrapers touching the clouds, green buildings that breathe sustainability, and futuristic hubs connecting people and places. And in the ever-evolving construction industry, aluminium has emerged as a game-changer, reshaping how we build and imagine our spaces. Key projects in this realm don’t just build structures—they create stories of innovation, resilience, and vision.

From harnessing smart technology to crafting eco-conscious designs, these projects featuring aluminium as the hero material redefine the boundaries of what’s possible, inspiring us to imagine a world where creativity and sustainability go hand in hand. Whether it’s enabling green architecture or pushing the boundaries of design, aluminium is not just a material—it’s the foundation of tomorrow’s construction revolution. Below is a list of both announced and commenced projects under the construction sector for 2024 –

Commenced projects 2024

Alumil expands its presence in Chennai

Alumil India, the wholly-owned Indian subsidiary of the globally renowned Alumil Group, a leader in high-quality architectural aluminium systems, unveiled its exclusive experience centre, Twin Pro Systems, in Chennai. Spanning 750 sq. ft., the showroom was inaugurated by Alumil India’s Managing Director, Mr Theodoros Axouristos. It showcased an impressive range of Alumil’s premium offerings, including advanced window and door systems, curtain wall and façade solutions, rolling shutters, as well as railing and fencing designs. This new showroom marked Alumil India’s third presence in Tamil Nadu, following the recent launch of its Coimbatore showroom last month. The SMARTIA series will also be showcased, offering a blend of superior aesthetics and functionality at competitive prices. Visitors can also experience the latest Supreme series, acclaimed for its innovative design and advanced features, perfectly suited for contemporary construction projects. Additionally, the showroom will spotlight Alumil’s range of rolling shutters, expertly crafted for commercial applications, including retail shops and establishments.

Sobha Modular’s new aluminium facades manufacturing facility

UAE-based Sobha Modular Industries, renowned for its aluminium facades and bathroom pods, has unveiled a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. A part of the Sobha Group, the facility spans an impressive 250,000 square meters and leverages cutting-edge AI-driven CNC machines and robotics to optimize production. With a current daily capacity of 50 pods, the plant aims to double output to 100 by the end of the year. Additionally, it produces 1,800 square meters of aluminium products daily, with plans for significant expansion in the near future. Beyond its production capabilities, the facility is set to create over 3,000 jobs, strengthening the local workforce and supporting regional economic growth. Strategically located in Ras Al Khaimah, a hub celebrated for its cost-efficient manufacturing environment and easy access to essential raw materials, Sobha Modular Industries is well-positioned for success. The company also plans to further expand in Ras Al Khaimah to not only enhance production capacity but also align with Sobha Group’s backward integration strategy for greater operational efficiency.

Euroform expands its operations

Euroform, a renowned manufacturer of premium aluminium building solutions, began operations in Tatu City, Kenya, with the establishment of a new metal works workshop in Tatu Industrial Park. This strategic move marked a significant milestone in their business expansion plans. The company’s first major project following the workshop launch was the Link Logistics & Business Park, Kenya’s sole SME warehousing and logistics park located within a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Euroform secured the contract to supply and install aluminium windows and doors, complete with glazing, louvres, and ironmongery. Even before the workshop’s launch, Euroform had a strong presence in Tatu City, contributing to the construction of over 3,000 apartments, either completed or under development. Their impressive portfolio includes projects for leading names such as CCI Global, Heineken, Dormans, Kärcher, Cooper K-Brands, Grit Real Estate Income Group, Twiga Foods, Freight Forwarders Solutions, ADvTECH, Friendship Group, and Davis & Shirtliff.

Pilawa’s new solar energy plant

AkzoNobel, the Dutch multinational company has taken a major leap in its renewable energy journey with the installation of its largest solar energy plant in Europe at the Pilawa site. This milestone underscored the company’s commitment to transitioning to renewable electricity across all its production facilities. Spanning nearly three hectares—roughly the size of four football fields—the solar plant comprises 3,551 panels with a total capacity of 1.9 MWp, supplying nearly 25 per cent of the electricity needed for the decorative paints facility. The Pilawa site has also seen recent investments in automation, including upgrades to its solvent paint filling process and raw material dosing system.

Announced projects 2024

Premier Energies to enter the aluminium frame manufacturing business

Premier Energies, a leading name in the solar industry, has committed an investment of INR 230 crore for this ambitious expansion. The company plans to set up a facility with an annual production capacity of 36,000 metric tonnes to meet its captive consumption needs. As of March 31, 2024, Premier Energies stands as India’s second-largest integrated solar PV manufacturer, with an impressive annual installed capacity of 2 GW for solar cell production and 4.13 GW for module manufacturing. This strategic move highlights the company’s commitment to enhancing its value chain and supporting the growth of the domestic solar industry. The company has also partnered with a Taiwanese firm to establish a wafer manufacturing unit, with the necessary equipment already on order. Saluja further revealed that Premier Energies aims to venture into ingot manufacturing once the wafer line is successfully stabilised.

SolarDuck sets sail with €15 million to propel offshore solar power technology

SolarDuck recently secured additional funding to accelerate the development and deployment of offshore floating solar power technology. This financial boost positions the company for continued growth, reinforcing its leadership in the Offshore Floating Solar Energy sector. With these new resources, SolarDuck will launch its first commercial projects and work towards its goal of generating over 1 gigawatt of offshore solar electricity by 2030.

Acciona Energía’s foray into the Indian solar market

Acciona Energía unveiled plans to build a new 412 MWp photovoltaic project in Rajasthan, India, with an expected completion date in 2025. Acciona, a Spanish multinational conglomerate, specializes in developing and managing infrastructure and renewable energy solutions. The company operates across the entire value chain, from design and construction to operation and maintenance, with a strong focus on sustainability. The solar farm will feature around 750,000 photovoltaic modules, each with a capacity of 545 Wp. Once operational, it is expected to produce approximately 800 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power around 840,000 households and reduce CO2 emissions by 724,000 tonnes per year. This initiative represents Acciona Energía’s largest project in India, expanding its existing portfolio of four wind farms and highlighting the company’s dedication to growth and geographical diversification. Additionally, the project will be incorporated into Acciona Energía’s Social Impact Management program, which aims to support local communities through initiatives focused on education, welfare, and environmental conservation.

Alteza enters the Maharashtra market

Aparna Enterprises Limited (AEL), one of India’s fastest-growing manufacturers of building materials, has officially launched its premium aluminium windows and doors brand, Alteza, in the Maharashtra market. The company is starting its strategic expansion with Pune as the focal point and plans to extend its footprint across key cities in the state, including Nagpur, Kolhapur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Vidarbha. AEL aims to capture a significant 5 per cent market share in Maharashtra within its first year of operations. The aluminium windows and doors market in Maharashtra is valued at over INR 600 crore, with a national Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 20 per cent. Pune, a prominent economic and cultural centre, is witnessing growth that surpasses the national average.

China-based Lanzhou Aluminum announces groundbreaking ceremony

On June 12, China-based Lanzhou Aluminum held a groundbreaking ceremony for its distributed photovoltaic (PV) project in the southern factory area, marking a significant milestone in the company’s transition toward new energy initiatives. During the event, Mao Zhiqiang delivered an inspiring speech, underscoring the critical role of distributed PV projects in driving sustainable enterprise development. He highlighted the strong backing from China Aluminum Corporation and key stakeholders, which has been instrumental in advancing the project. Following meticulous planning and adjustments to the construction strategy, the project officially commenced on June 21. Once completed, the project is expected to substantially enhance the company’s green electricity supply, providing strong support for its production and operational needs. This initiative is set to inject new energy and momentum into the company’s growth while contributing positively to local green energy development.

Guangxi Huasheng’s upcoming photovoltaic power generation project

On September 10, Liu Jicheng, Deputy General Manager of the Guiyang Institute, attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Guangxi Huasheng New Material Co., Ltd.’s distributed photovoltaic power generation project. The launch of this initiative represents a major milestone in optimizing energy structures and promoting the company’s green, low-carbon development, earning commendations from the client. The Guiyang Institute’s technical team, guided by principles of innovation, sustainability, and efficiency, played a pivotal role in designing the project, delivering cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy solutions. Their relentless efforts have led to breakthroughs in photovoltaic technology development on red mud stockpiles. The Institute’s distributed photovoltaic designs now extend beyond rooftops, expanding rapidly to ground installations and even water surfaces.

INA’s aluminium frame plant in Jaipur

Insolation Energy (INA Solar), a leading Indian solar energy provider and manufacturer, has announced plans to establish a 3 GW photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing facility in the Jaipur district of Rajasthan. Specialising in the development, engineering, and deployment of solar PV modules, the company also aims to set up a 12,000 metric tonne per annum (mtpa) aluminium frame plant in the region. With an investment of INR 400 crore, the groundbreaking ceremony for this advanced facility was recently held. INA Solar, which currently has a PV module manufacturing capacity of 1 GW, will increase its total capacity to 4 GW annually with the addition of this new plant. Spanning 109,000 square meters, the facility will produce 3 GW of n-type TOPCon solar panels and 12,000 metric tonnes of aluminium frames annually. Production is expected to commence within the current fiscal year.

Conclusion

The construction industry is experiencing a remarkable transformation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and the integration of aluminium as a pivotal material. Across the globe, key projects in 2024 highlight aluminium’s versatility and its role in shaping the future. Commenced ventures, such as Alumil’s experience centre in Chennai, Sobha Modular’s advanced manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah, Euroform’s workshop in Kenya, and AkzoNobel’s solar energy plant in Pilawa, demonstrate aluminium’s applications in green architecture, efficient production, and economic growth. Similarly, announced projects like Premier Energies’ aluminium frame manufacturing unit, SolarDuck’s offshore solar technology advancements, and Acciona Energía’s large-scale solar farm in India underline aluminium’s contributions to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Together, these projects underscore aluminium’s central role in redefining the boundaries of construction, fostering resilience, innovation, and a greener future.