GLASSTECH Industries, the largest glass processing facility in Bahrain and one of the largest factories in the region at 23,000 sq m – with a glass processing capability of over one million sq m per year – will be coming to gulfBID next month to drive its sales even further in the region.

A relative newcomer on the market, Glasstech has been stepping up efforts to create awareness in the region about its capabilities and as part of this drive, it participated at the Gulf Industry Fair held in Bahrain in January (15 to 17) this year.

The company also intends to boost sales in other regional markets, especially in Kuwait and Qatar as it continues to expand its project portfolio in the region.

Among the recent projects it has secured in Bahrain are the supply of indoor glass for the landmark Four Seasons hotel that is taking shape in Bahrain Bay, the Qatar Embassy, Wael Pharmacy headquarters in Hidd as well as a number of residential and commercial complexes. It has successfully handed over projects such as the Phoenicia tower, Saar Mall and Juffair Mall in the kingdom.

Its other regional successes include large university projects in Saudi Arabia, as well as other developments in Riyadh and in the Eastern Province.

“We are a young dynamic company with state-of-the-art European technology providing the construction market with a wide array of glass processing products under one roof,” says Marwan Khadij, Glasstech’s general manager. “Glasstech has among its management team capable and well-experienced professionals with extensive glass processing know-how in production and consultancy.”

Located in the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in Hidd, Glasstech Industries began trial production and testing in January 2012. In parallel, it started establishing a network of customers throughout Bahrain and the region, and effectively started production and delivery to its customers in April last year.

Glasstech offers a diverse range of products and services including architectural glass processing; double-glazed units produced on a fully-automated IGU (insulated glazed unit) line with a robotic arm from Lisec; heat-strengthened glass and double glazing with jumbo size capabilities produced on a Tamglass Pro-E Magnum furnace; laminated glass/bullet proof glass; sand-blasted design glass; and bent glass, single or double glazed.

It is equipped with machinery based on the latest technologies procured from renowned suppliers in the flat glass industry. These include CNC (computerised numerical control) fully-automated jumbo size cutting Lisec machines, Shiatti straight edging, HS (heat strengthened) ceramic fritting/design and Lovati Fratelli bevelling machines. Glasstech has heat soak test capabilities and all its products are backed by full technical support from its team.

The company, which has finalised all the requirements for ISO 9001, expects to be awarded the certification shortly.

Glasstech is currently expanding its fleet of trucks to support its sales and export activities in the region. It has also reinforced its sales department by recruiting new staff to boost its market penetration. In addition, the company has installed an internal ERP (enterprises resource planning) system to enhance the quality of its production and services.
As demand continues to rise for its products and services, Glasstech is boosting its capabilities, which will see it launch production at a new glass lamination line in June.

Additionally, it has established a specialised frame bonding division providing aluminium companies with bonding services. The division is already working on a project in Saudi Arabia – the Hammady Hospital in Riyadh – which involves 6,500 sq m of bonding.

Other initiatives include the appointment of a new team to handle newly launched ceramic printing and silk screening production at the company.

The firm is presently targeting more specialised markets for curved glass, laminated, ceramic printing products with added value offering.

Glasstech’s future plans envisage an expansion into Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon as well as North Africa and other international markets.