On the eve of Interbuild Expo 2010 now ongoing at the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Center (CICC) until 21 June, Sphinx Glass shared positive outlooks for Egypt“s glass processing secto…
On the eve of Interbuild Expo 2010 now ongoing at the Cairo International Convention & Exhibition Center (CICC) until 21 June, Sphinx Glass shared positive outlooks for Egypt“s glass processing sector, which, according to the company“s managing director Mohamed Khattab: could double over next five years as float glass production is expected to triple by year end. Khattab sees continued economic development in Egypt as one of the key drivers for demand of quality glass products in Egypt while growing export opportunities continue to rise from underserved emerging markets. “We are seeing a major shift in the Egyptian glass processing sector as demand generation coming from the domestic market as well as neighbouring emerging markets could see Egypt“s glass processing capacity double over the coming five years,” said Khattab. “Egypt“s annual float glass production capacity has already jumped from 140,000 tons to its current 340,000 tons, and is expected to grow to approximately 600,000 tons by year“s end which is a clear indication of the industry“s desire to ramp up manufacturing capabilities and establish itself as an international player.” Sphinx Glass started production of high quality float glass products in March 2010, now responding to domestic customer and exporting to neighbouring markets. Its facility, which was designed to support two float lines and uses the latest float glass technologies licensed from PPG Industries Inc., has an output of 200,000 tons per annum at present, which could be doubled in the future. “Domestically, several key growth drivers have been identified and are helping to increase Egypt“s production capabilities. These drivers include the adoption of new regulations and standards that ultimately drive demand for good quality glass products in Egypt. Environmental concerns and conservation efforts have also had a noticeable impact on the glass processing sector, as going “green“ has meant that building materials for construction must provide environmental benefits too. This underpins the green building movement we are witnessing around the world. Today good quality glass delivers energy saving capabilities through improved climate control that is having a positive impact on environmental conservation,” added Khattab. “Fundamentally, glass has evolved as a primary building material for the construction industry and its adoption can be witnessed by the glimmering skylines of today“s modern cities. This trend will continue for the foreseeable future as demand for “high-tech“ processed glass continues to grow due to new building designs and architectural advancements which have lead to the modern structures we see today. It is very exciting for the glass industry at the moment and we expect it to remain so for quite some time to come,” remarked Khattab.
