Capral Aluminium and Tindo Solar Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Australian Manufacturing

In a move set to strengthen Australia's domestic manufacturing sector, Capral Aluminium has entered into a strategic supply partnership with Tindo Solar, Australia's only solar panel manufacturer. This collaboration will see Capral supplying extruded aluminium for Tindo's locally-produced solar panels, with the potential for further expansion to support Tindo's future Gigafactory. 

This partnership marks a significant step for both companies as Tindo moves to scale its operations to meet increasing demand. The initial supply arrangement signals a shift by Tindo towards prioritising local suppliers in the renewable energy sector. 

Capral operates several aluminium extrusion plants across the country and is recognised within the Australian market as a leader in the supply of 'LocAL' lower carbon aluminium. This partnership aligns with Capral's commitment to sustainability and supporting Australian industries. 

Luke Hawkins, Capral's Divisional General Manager of Industrial and Supply Chain, commented on the partnership:  

"Capral's collaboration with Tindo is a testament to the strength of Australian manufacturing. While our initial focus is on meeting Tindo's current production needs, we are particularly excited about supporting their future Gigafactory with locally extruded aluminium. This venture is more than just a significant step for Tindo; it represents a milestone for the Australian manufacturing sector, showcasing our potential to lead in sustainable energy solutions and build a more resilient local supply chain." 

Tindo's proposed Gigafactory, a response to governmental calls for enhanced domestic renewable energy production, is expected to be a game-changer for the industry. The $90-100 million facility, which will create 250 jobs and produce up to 7,000 panels daily, is poised to meet a critical portion of Australia's 2030 decarbonisation targets. Capral's role as a key supplier of locally-produced aluminium will be crucial in realising this vision. 

Tindo Solar's CEO, Richard Petterson, emphasised the importance of domestic collaboration: 

 "We are committed to integrating Australian-made components into our solar panels, and Capral Aluminium is a vital partner in this effort. The development of our Gigafactory, supported by Capral, will not only advance our production capabilities but also bolster the Australian renewables supply chain. This partnership underscores the potential of local industry to thrive with the right support and signals from government initiatives like the Solar Sunshot program." 

As Tindo and Capral look to the future, their partnership sets a powerful precedent for the role of local manufacturing in Australia's renewable energy sector. Capral's involvement ensures that the benefits of the renewable energy transition will be increasingly retained within the Australian economy, reinforcing the country's position as a leader in sustainable industrial practices.