Almatis, a subsidiary of the OYAK Group and a global leader in specialty alumina products and solutions, is establishing a new calcined alumina production facility in China's Qingdao Economic Development Zone. This facility will double Almatis' production capacity in the region, enhancing its competitiveness and market share in Asia.
Highlighting the significance of this investment for OYAK, General Manager Süleyman Savaş Erdem said, “Our capacity to grow with our new investment in China, one of the world's largest markets, will enable us to expand our global network. Leveraging Almatis' potential in the region will further strengthen OYAK's position.”
OYAK has strategically decided to invest in China for Almatis, the world leader in specialty alumina products. The new facility will increase Almatis' calcined alumina production capacity from 50 thousand metric tons to 100 thousand metric tons, enabling growth in key markets such as semiconductor components, consumer electronics, thermal control devices, and electric vehicles.
Construction of the new plant, spanning 6,600 square meters, will commence in the last quarter of 2024, with completion scheduled for early 2026. With the addition of the new calcined product line, Almatis' total capacity in China will reach 100 thousand metric tons, with approximately 20 thousand metric tons earmarked for export to regional markets.
“Expanding Almatis' influence”
General Manager Süleyman Savaş Erdem emphasized OYAK's support for Almatis' growth since its integration into the OYAK Group in 2015. Erdem said, “As Türkiye's largest complementary occupational pension fund, OYAK operates across six continents, 25 countries, and seven geographical regions, including mining, metallurgy, cement, automotive, logistics, energy, food, agriculture, chemicals, and finance sectors. Our investment in Asia strengthens Almatis' position as the market leader in specialty alumina products, expanding its influence in potential markets with high-value production.” Within the framework of our growth strategies, we are realizing a new investment in the area where our existing calcined alumina plant is located in China's Qingdao Economic Development Zone. Our new facility will expand Almatis' sphere of influence in potential markets with its high value-added production”
Stating that Almatis is a global brand and that they have built their procurement strategy on this structure, Erdem said, “Increasing the production capacity in China is of strategic importance for Almatis to grow in regional markets. At the same time, we also aimed to prevent problems in the supply chain by providing raw materials from local sources. We have taken all measures to respond to demand in a timely and adequate manner and to carry out an efficient and profitable operation.””
“We will use cutting-edge technology in our new facility”
Stating that China's growth potential continues despite the developments in global markets, Erdem continued: “As the Chinese economy continues to develop, foreign investors are also evaluating long-term growth opportunities. With this investment in China, one of the world's largest markets with high growth potential, we will expand our global network. We will use cutting-edge technology in our new facility, which will create an additional 50 thousand metric tons of production capacity for our target markets and will be built in accordance with the standards set for emission values. As OYAK, we will utilize the potential of Almatis in the region with our strong financial structure, strategic planning and integrated activities, and add strength to OYAK's power.”
Why did Almatis need this investment?
Almatis, which has a 6 percent market share in China, decided to invest in a new calcining furnace and grinding technology in view of the increasing demand in the entire Asia Region with the expected growth in the technical ceramics, chip and electric vehicle industries. Almatis will increase the total capacity of the calcined product line in its China facility by 50 thousand metric tons to 100 thousand metric tons, and will significantly increase its capabilities in this area with the new technology grinding mill to be located in the calcination line. Approximately 40 percent of the products to be produced in the new calcined furnace will be exported to countries in the Asian region.
Supporting the development of the Qingdao Economic Development Zone
The new calcined alumina plant will be located in the Qingdao Economic Development Zone, where Almatis' existing plant is located. Located in China's Shandong province, the zone encourages foreign investment and offers special incentives and advantages to investors to support the development of industry and trade. Scheduled to be operational in early 2026, the new facility, which will double the company's production capacity, will increase Almatis' market share in the Asian region.
OYAK's new investment will also make significant contributions to the Qingdao Economic Development Zone. The new facility, which will provide a strong impetus to the region's economic growth and employment, will also increase the region's competitiveness in the international arena. The investment, which will strengthen the industrial infrastructure of the region, will also support the technological development of the Qingdao Economic Development Zone.
