The spirit of innovation and continuous improvement at Dubai Aluminium Dubal has again been recognized by an independent, peer based jury: the company received 2 category awards in the 2012 Ideas. Arabia Idea of the Year competition.

The award ceremony was integral to the 7th Ideas. Arabia International Conference Ideas Arabia 2012 held under the patronage of H H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group and which took place at Al Bustan Hotel Dubai on April 22nd and 23rd 2012.

The two awards accorded to Dubal were:
1. 2012 Ideas Arabia Health & Safety Award — This went to Loading and unloading jig for anode butts submitted by J Iqbal, B Mohiuddin and M Wazir. To overcome the former unsafe practice of standing on anode rods while latching/unlatching anodes and butts in the Rodding Room, this suggestion entailed the construction of a secure jig with a separate load back rest and fork guides, thus facilitating a safe platform for operators to perform the task. The solution is reliable and effective. Not only have the potential risks during loading and unloading been eliminated but also the new jig is also convenient and safe to use.

3. 2012 Ideas Arabia Productivity Award — This went to the suggestion entitled Optimize swarf collection on HDC casting machines which was submitted by D Kumar, C M Hugos, P Kadirvelu and M M Mendoza. This idea which involved modifying the suction ducting system so as to suck the swarf produced inside the saw cabin directly from the chip channel and blade hood has ensured smooth casting operations reduced the workload of operators increased machine availability and enhanced the safety of working conditions inside the saw cabin. This year's accolades bring the total number of awards won by Dubal over the seven years of the Ideas.

Mr Abdulla Kalban president & CEO of Dubal said that "This independent recognition highlights both the level of creativity within our organization and the inherent potential of inviting employees to engage with our company. It also proves that Dubal has immense potential for the future and confirms that which we have always believed, namely that our employees are our greatest asset."

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