Capral Aluminium and Tindo Solar form partnership

Capral Aluminium has announced that it entered into a strategic supply partnership with Tindo Solar, Australia’s only solar panel manufacturer. The 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.

Tindo is moving 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 for the supply of ‘LocAl’ lower carbon aluminium. Capral says the partnership aligns with Capral’s commitment to sustainability and supporting Australian industries.

“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,” said Luke Hawkins, Capral’s Divisional General Manager of Industrial and Supply Chain. “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 a $90-100 million facility, which will create 250 jobs and produce up to 7000 panels daily, aiming to meet a critical portion of Australia’s 2030 decarbonisation targets. Capral says its 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,” he said. “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.”