A major expansion project initiated by Saudi Arabian Glass Company (Sagco) is nearing completion at its production facilities in Jeddah, the company reports.

Sagco is adding a fifth furnace and four production lines building on the existing facilities of four furnaces, nine production lines, nine decoration machines and a sleeving machine.

Production capacity will climb to 1,000 tonnes per day against the current capacity of 650 tonnes. The expansion is estimated to cost $70 million.

The company boasts production equipment from Emhart Glass. Inspection equipment and real-time information software and hardware have come from Vertech of France.

“Demand within Saudi Arabia for glass containers has been growing steadily and capacity utilisation is optimum,” said finance manager Ramesh Ashar.

Silica sand and limestone for the production process are sourced locally while soda ash comes from the US, Kenya, Bulgaria, Turkey and India. Aluminium hydroxide is imported from India.

Sagco is a limited liability company with three corporate partners, namely Saleh & Abdulaziz Abahsain Co, Turner Associates Ltd and Ali bin Saeed AlMarbae Holding Co.

The company produces glass containers for the food and beverage industry. The containers range from 50 ml to1.5 litres.