GLASSTECH Industries, the largest glass processing facility in Bahrain and one of the largest factories in the region, has been awarded three international management system certifications that recognise its efforts to meet global standards in quality, environment friendliness and health and safety.

The company has been awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2007, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certifications for processing of architectural glass products in compliance with the stipulated business management quality, environmental and occupational health and safety management systems standards, says a senior company official.

“The award of these certifications comes following months of work and dedication with DNV Business Assurance, one of the leading providers of accredited management systems certification. The certificates focus on business management quality and assurance, health and environment,” says Marwan Khadij, Glasstech Industries’ general manager. “The ISO certification will enhance the whole operation and ensure better services, quality products and a safer, environment-friendly place for employees. In addition, a dedicated internal team will conduct internal audits regularly to make sure that the system is implemented as per guidelines and ISO requirements.”

He continues: “Immense work was involved in meeting the certification requirements which has enhanced Glasstech Industries’ scope in terms of business and management assurance with a well-conceived and up-to-date system that enables it to position the company at the forefront of industrial and production management and processing technology.”

With facilities covering 23,000 sq m at Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) in Hidd and a glass processing capability of one million sq m per year, Glasstech Industries has been stepping up efforts to boost its competitive edge in the global market.

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.

The IGU line with a robotic arm from Lisec.

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.

Glasstech Industries now has a well established network of customers, delivering quality products in Bahrain and throughout the region.

The company was due to start commercial production at a new glass lamination line at the end of last month (September), having successfully completed trial runs.

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

Glasstech is also 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. The company has also installed an internal ERP (enterprises resource planning) system to enhance the quality of its production and services.

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

Glasstech continues to deliver quality products to projects across the region. It also intends to step up sales in other regional markets, especially in Kuwait and Qatar. The company’s future plans envisage an expansion into Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon as well as North Africa and other international markets.

Among the projects it has secured in Bahrain are the supply of indoor glass for the landmark Four Seasons hotel that is taking shape in Bahrain, 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 a large governmental project in Kuwait and the delivery of Al-Suleim Tower project in Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia and as well as other projects in the kingdom including Riyadh and in the Eastern Province, particularly in Jubail and Dammam.