Lucky takes huge steps to save the environment

 Along with the issues surrounding climate change and habitat conservation, waste management is one of the most important defining issues of our generation. International Metalworking News – Middle East (IMNE) is featuring an inspiring story of a multinational corporation with clients in over 40 countries, and a leading name in the Middle East for metal recycling.
The Lucky Group has been taking large strides in Dubai in terms of protecting the environment. Having been in the scrap metal recycling industry for almost 38 years, they have contributed not only by processing scrap metal but also by taking part in public activities whenever and wherever they possibly can.
Director Mr. Irfan Shaban of Lucky Alloys - Lucky Group took the time out to share a great vision to meet the challenges in modern waste management, and to turn Dubai as a strategic industrial and trade hub between the East and West.

IMNE: How did you start your company?
Shaban: In the early 1970s, we had a great vision of this region as a strategic industrial and trade hub between the East and West. The level of waste generation would increase many fold to accommodate the growing interest in the Middle East. To meet this waste management challenge, Lucky Group was established in 1973 to become the leading integrated metal recycling corporation in the region. Lucky Group was initiated as a simple scrap metal trading company in Dubai. As well as the recycling and trading of secondary metals, the Group also manufactures secondary aluminium alloy ingots. Still under the control of the founding Shaban family, the company manages almost 300 employees across its Global headquarters in Dubai, as well as its operations in the Middle East, North America and the Far East.

IMNE: How did your own technology exper tise influenced Middle East's metal recycling?
Shaban: Lucky Group's mission is to maintain its renowned high quality standards, with the employment of the latest technology available. Our aim is to create value for our clients by utilising the best technology and systems, such as our customised Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. Technological improvements and innovations in machinery in Lucky Group have encouraged other companies in the same sector to follow suit and a significant portion of the processing is now automated. Indeed, the company says its greatest technological achievement has been its ERP system. The Lucky ERP has been developed in-house and tailor-made to suit every minute requirement of the group, resulting in a smooth and efficient operational system.

IMNE: What steps are you taking to stay competitive and progressive?
Shaban: To stay ahead of the competition, our commitment to quality and professionalism is uppermost in our minds. We have standardised quality controls so we can maintain consistency in our product offerings. Our sales force also makes it a point to regularly visit and establish a personal rapport with our client base, ensuring a long-term commitment. Lucky Group's other recent successes have been in streamlining its operations and diversifying its risk between Eastern and Western markets. This process has included consolidating its global offices, and further strengthening its profit centres, as well as establishing the group's presence in the Chinese scrap metal market.
The Group has also carried out its initial phase of its succession planning, and successfully transferred its management echelon to the third generation of the family. This is a formidable achievement in the context of a family business.
As to the future, the companyAdidas NMD R1