Guardian and Zoujaj Plan to Expand Float Glass Production Capacity in Saudi Arabia

2025-12-29 08:45:58

Guardian glass Group and Saudi National Glass Industries Company (Zoujaj) plan to further expand their Float glass production capacity in Saudi Arabia through their joint venture, GulfGuard. Specifically, GulfGuard will establish a second float Glass production line and a second Coated glass production line at its manufacturing base in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia.

The signing of this expansion agreement holds significant meaning, as it was officially finalized during the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to Washington, D.C., on November 19.

From the production line planning perspective, the magnetron sputtering coating glass production line is expected to commence operations in 2027, while the float glass production line is scheduled for completion in 2028. Among these, the new float production line will significantly enhance GulfGuard's service capabilities, enabling it to not only better serve local clients in Saudi Arabia but also extend its reach across the entire Middle East region. This production line boasts distinct advantages in product specifications, designed for manufacturing standard transparent float glass with ultra-large panel dimensions, reaching a maximum length of 6 meters and a thickness range of 4 to 12 millimeters, while also being capable of producing Guardian UltraClear Low iron glass. The larger panel size helps clients optimize cutting solutions, effectively improving yield rates.

In the production of coated glass, the expanded project includes a planned magnetron sputtering coating production line capable of manufacturing Low-E low-emissivity glass and solar control glass. The product range also encompasses high-performance coated products such as Guardian SunGuard double-silver and triple-silver options. These products, developed through specialized research, achieve a balance between energy efficiency and visual performance in various architectural applications.

Currently, the demand for construction glass in the Middle East is steadily increasing, driven by various factors such as accelerated urban development, continuously upgraded building standards, progressive localization policies, and the ongoing construction of large-scale projects across the region. Regarding this expansion, Guus Boekhoudt, Global Executive Vice President of Guardian Glass, stated: "This investment will enable GulfGuard to more precisely meet market demands while also strengthening the local supply chain, contributing to the advancement of Saudi Arabia's 'localization content' and 'Made in Saudi Arabia' initiatives." Omar Al Humaidan, Chairman of the Saudi National Glass Industry Company, added: "This project fully reflects GulfGuard's long-term commitment and investment in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East, aligning closely with the objectives and long-term development plans of Saudi Arabia's 'Vision 2030'."