Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Co. Ltd. (GulfGuard), a joint venture between Guardian Europe and Saudi partners National Company for Glass Industries Co. SJS (Zoujaj) and Eastern Industrial …
Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Co. Ltd. (GulfGuard), a joint venture between Guardian Europe and Saudi partners National Company for Glass Industries Co. SJS (Zoujaj) and Eastern Industrial Investment Co. Ltd. officially began commercial production of float glass in October 1995 at its plant in Al-Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The plant is the first of its kind in the Gulf region and is Guardian Industries“ 16th float line in the world. According to a statement by Guardian, GulfGuard will provide a strong complement to its existing facilities in Europe and Asia, by producing patterned glass and clear and coloured float glass for the construction, commercial and automotive markets. Abdul Rahman Abdu, Chairman of the board of directors of GulfGuard said that the plant has considerable prospects of success because of the availability of relatively cheap energy, the financial advantages provided by Saudi government agencies and ministries, as well as the support of Zoujaj. “With GulfGuard in full operation, the Middle East now has direct access to high quality float and patterned glass, enhancing Guardian“s ability to meet the growing demands for glass in the region,” said Tom Wunderlich, managing director of GulfGuard. “Previously, all glass sold in the Middle East had to be imported from Europe, the United States or Asia. Now, with a production capacity of 450 tons of float glass plus 100 tons of patterned glass per day, Guardian will be able to efficiently supply the entire Gulf market with the highest quality float and patterned glass available.” Mr. Abdu said: “With the GulfGuard plant, Guardian has further demonstrated its commitment to growth and technology by constructing a facility that can produce both float and patterned glass simultaneously”. A large portion of the plant“s output will be exported throughout the Gulf region. With a capital cost of about US$120 million, the GulfGuard plant, located in the Jubail Industrial City in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, is reportedly one of the largest manufacturing investments made by a US company in Saudi Arabia. Approximately 250 new jobs have been created at the plant, as well as hundreds of additional jobs from the plant“s contribution to the local and regional economy. Guardian said the new GulfGuard plant signifies its dedication to producing glass in the world“s major glass markets to ensure that customers receive the highest quality products and efficient delivery. To that end, it says that it is continuing its global expansion with the current construction of float glass manufacturing plants in Germany, Thailand and Brazil. An additional float glass project has also been announced in New York.