Capral marks 90 years of Australian aluminium manufacturing

Capral’s history traces back to 1936 with the establishment of the British Aluminium Company’s Australian operations and the formation of the Australian Aluminium Company. In the decades that followed, the business operated under several names that remain closely associated with the development of Australia’s aluminium industry, including Australuco and Alcan Australia, before eventually becoming Capral Aluminium in 1995.

From its earliest days, the company was instrumental in establishing local aluminium manufacturing capability. During the 1940s, operations at the Granville works in New South Wales laid the foundations for Australia’s aluminium rolling and extrusion industries, with the first delivery of locally produced aluminium sheet recorded on 10 June 1941, followed shortly thereafter by locally produced extrusions. These early facilities supplied material for wartime and post-war manufacturing and helped establish aluminium as a versatile industrial material across the Australian economy.

Over the following decades, the business expanded its manufacturing and distribution footprint across the country, supporting a growing range of industries including construction, transport, packaging, marine, automotive and consumer manufacturing. Aluminium supplied by the company has contributed to major buildings and architectural projects across Australia, the growing use of aluminium in heavy vehicle and marine transport, and major energy and infrastructure projects nationwide.

The development of Australia’s primary aluminium industry was an important chapter in this story. In 1969, the Alcan Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter in New South Wales commenced production, supplying locally produced primary aluminium that supported the business’s downstream manufacturing operations. Over time the smelter became an important part of Australia’s aluminium supply chain and contributed hundreds of thousands of tonnes of locally produced aluminium during its early years of operation.

The modern Capral business was shaped through a number of significant acquisitions and structural changes that brought together capabilities from across the aluminium sector. These included the integration of Comalco’s distribution and extrusion operations in 1995, the acquisition of Crane Aluminium in 2005, which expanded the company’s window and door systems offering, and the acquisition of OneSteel Aluminium in 2013, which strengthened Capral’s industrial distribution capability and national supply network.

Today Capral operates a national network of extrusion plants, finishing facilities, distribution centres and Aluminium Centres, making it Australia’s largest aluminium extrusion manufacturer and distributor. The company supplies aluminium products and systems that support the built environment and a wide range of industrial sectors, including architecture and construction, renewable energy, transport, marine, defence and advanced manufacturing.

Capral Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Tony Dragicevich said the anniversary provides an opportunity to recognise the people, partnerships and industries that have shaped the company’s journey.

“Reaching 90 years of Australian manufacturing is a significant achievement and one that reflects the dedication of generations of employees, customers and partners who have contributed to Capral’s success,” Mr Dragicevich said. “Our business has evolved through many chapters. Throughout that history, one thing has remained constant, a commitment to manufacturing in Australia and supporting the industries that rely on locally produced aluminium.”

Mr Dragicevich said aluminium has played an important role in the nation’s development and continues to be central to Australia’s future. “Aluminium is one of the most versatile and sustainable materials available today. It has shaped our transport systems, our buildings and our infrastructure for decades, and it will continue to play a critical role in energy transition, renewable technologies and modern construction,” he said.

“As a proud licensee of the Australian Made logo, Capral is committed to strengthening local supply chains and ensuring customers have access to high-quality aluminium products manufactured right here in Australia.”

Throughout 2026 Capral will celebrate its 90-year milestone with a series of initiatives and events across the country. These include site celebrations with employees and customers, the release of a commemorative publication documenting the company’s history, and a range of activities recognising the people and partnerships that have shaped the business over nine decades.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we are also looking forward,” Mr Dragicevich said. “Australian manufacturing continues to play an essential role in the nation’s economic strength, and aluminium will remain central to the industries shaping Australia’s future. Capral is proud to be part of that story and committed to supporting Australian manufacturing for generations to come.”