Sphinx Glass managing director Mohamed 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 c…
Sphinx Glass managing director Mohamed 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 neighboring 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 began production of high quality float glass products in March 2010, and is already meeting domestic customer needs as well as exporting to customers in neighbouring markets. Its 220,000 sq.m. state-of-the-art facility already boasts a production output of 200,000 tons per annum and was designed to support two float lines, enabling it to double its production capacity 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,” added Khattab. The resurgent glass industries of the MENA and Gulf regions means that next year“s 4th Gulf Glass exhibition (7-9 March 2011, Abu Dhabi), is well placed to once again provide the perfect platform for business across all aspects of the Middle East“s flat, processed and container glass industries. With space reservations now in excess of 1,500 sq.m., the largest, dedicated glass show for the region is well placed to sell out well in advance of the end of this year.