Emirates Float Glass (EFG) reports it has achieved 100 per cent capacity utilisation at its Abu Dhabi plant despite challenging market conditions.

EFG is a subsidiary of Glass which is wholly-owned by Dubai Investments (DI).

Built at a cost of Dh692 million ($188.3 million) with technological assistance from US-based PPG Industries, EFG is the largest integrated glass processing facility in the UAE with annual capacity of 190,000 tonnes under Phase 1 of the project.

“Dubai Investments is a pioneer in glass manufacturing in the UAE, boasting a cluster of world-class companies that have helped to enhance the country’s image as a regional hub for the manufacture of glass products,” said Faisal Rashid, general manager of Glass.

“As an integrated glass-processing facility that serves markets around the world, Emirates Float Glass is central to DI’s vision for the future of the glass industry, and the recent operational milestones achieved by the company provide a significant boost to our long-term growth plans,” Rashid said.

Ghassan Mashal, general manager of EFG, said it was a matter of pride that the company, which began commercial operations just over a year ago, had been able to achieve optimal capacity utilisation in such a short span of time, despite tough market conditions over the past year.

“EFG manufactures world-class glass products under licensed technology from PPG Industries, and the company today exports its products to more than 35 countries spanning South America, Europe, Australia, the Far East and Africa in addition to GCC states,” Mashal added.

The EFG product mix includes clear, tinted and pyrolytic coated float glass for various applications in the architectural and automotive industries.

The EFG board of directors is currently reviewing strategic plans to speed up expansion under Phase 2.

Located at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi-2 (ICAD-2), the EFG plant employs approximately 300 people and has generated nearly 1,000 additional jobs in related supplies and logistics industries.