GLASS LLC of the UAE expects to generate sales of Dh620 million ($168.7 million) this year against Dh400 million during 2011 and hopes to touch the magic figure of Dh1 billion ($272 million) by 2013-2014, a senior official has said.

Khalid bin Kalban, managing director and chief executive of Dubai Investments, which owns Glass LLC, said Dubai Investments had invested Dh1.5 billion in Glass LLC’s four factories and planned to invest an additional Dh800 million in 2013-14.

Dubai Investment will upgrade Emirates Float Glass Factory, the UAE’s first integrated glass manufacturing and processing facility that is located in Abu Dhabi, and invest in glass firms in Qatar, India and Iraq.

As well as Emirates Float Glass, Glass LLC incorporates Emirates Glass LLC, one of the largest processors of flat architectural glass in the region with facilities in Dubai Investment Park, Lumiglass Industries, makers of automotive and architectural laminated glass, and Saudi American Glass Company, one of the Middle East’s largest glass manufacturers.

Bin Kalban was speaking at an event to mark the inauguration of a Dh160 million state-of-the-art coating line at Emirates Glass. The post-temperable coating line aims to raise production capacity at Emirates Glass to over 3.5 million sq m and is part of Glass LLC’s strategic expansion plans.

Emirates Glass has been operational over the past 15 years and exports products to 18 countries worldwide. Based in the UAE, the company offers the widest variety of high-performance, solar control and low-emissivity coated glass products. Emirates Glass provides building owners, architects and consultants with a wide range of thermal performance and aesthetic options.

The new line was declared open by UAE Minister of Economy Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori.

Bin Kalban said: “Reinstating Emirates Glass’ position as a pioneer in adopting technological innovations, the new coating line will enable the company to capitalise more effectively on the burgeoning demand for energy-efficient architectural glass. With the system going online, we will easily meet the stringent technical specifications required for the state-of-the-art iconic projects of today.

“Our broadened portfolio of clientele over the last couple of years has necessitated intensive investment in the glass industry. We also forecast an exciting period with the GCC glass industry slated for unprecedented growth, thanks to the booming construction sector. Subsidiaries of Glass LLC including Emirates Glass, Emirates Float Glass, Saudi American Glass and Lumiglass now offer a holistic range of products and expertise. We are confident that we are well on our way to the forefront of the global glass processing industry.”