Gulf Construction Online - New Bahrain player aims to be a trendsetter

Glass & Aluminium

A production hall showing the double glazing section.

New Bahrain player aims to be a trendsetter

01 October 2009

A $25-million glass processing unit in Bahrain is well on its way to becoming one of the largest of its kind in the region.
Bahrain Prism Glass Factory (BPGF) has been established by a group of leading business houses, namely Banz group, Buhindi Group, Al Moayyed International and Meritas Investments.

This state-of-the-art venture is set to provide innovative and creative glass solutions that would meet and surpass the requirements for architectural glass in the region, according to the Bahrain-based company.
Latest equipment from world leaders in glass processing machineries like Lisec and Tamglass have gone into making this factory that has a total area of 35,000 sq m and is set to churn out an average of 2,800 sq m of processed glass each day.
“With two cutting lines, two double glazing lines, one Pro-E Magnum furnace and one laminating machine, the production capacity of BPGF will not only take care of customer requirements in Bahrain, but in neighbouring countries as well,” says general manager T Mani. “BPGF aims to be a one-stop shop to fulfil the glass-related requirements of leading architects, consultants, aluminium fabricators, other glass fabricators, clients and contractors. Being a customer-oriented company with quality topping its agenda, BPGF has recruited the best trained personnel in the industry. This ensures optimum quality production and hence customer satisfaction.”
The company’s product lines comprise high-performance insulated glass units (IGUs), which it supports with consultancy on appropriate selection, keeping in mind the aesthetics, solar and thermal performance. Multiple laminated units cater to all type of requirements of architects and planners.
BPGF’s services also include solutions for glass wall systems, point-fixed assemblies, glazed flooring, ballistic glass, entrances along with surface decorations that would be incorporated using a digital printer, ceramic roller coater and silk screen printing machine. All of these activities would be augmented by a seven-axis computer numerically-controlled (CNC) machining centre.
It will also process value-addition products in the form of double-vision panels, tile textures, digitally-printed etched designs and wood textures, which would be the first of their kind in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, Mani claims.
A choice of surface decoration that includes sandblasting, bevel clusters, air brushed glass, leaded stained glass, fibreglass art panels, carved glass, glue chipped glass, three-dimensional glass, fused and slumped glass would be available for interior design specialists in the region.
In response to the extensive market studies conducted in the Mena region and Asia, coupled with the enhancement of capacity during the second phase of expansion which is already under way, BPGF is targeting a peak production of 4,200 sq m of processed high-performance IGUs per day, supported by a host of value-added functionalities through lamination.
Elaborating on the maxim that drives the company’s business philosophy, Mani says: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. At the Bahrain Prism Glass Factory, we wish to be trendsetters on the island and the whole of the GCC.
“Ten soldiers wisely led will beat a hundred without a head. With this philosophy, we wish to reiterate and reassure that BPGF has been established with a broad vision to provide services that were hitherto sourced out from across the globe to its customers here in Bahrain. We shall provide facilities to all, at the most competitive rates, which would reduce the dependence on external markets for any type of processed glass.”
With energy conservation being a focus issue that is being addressed by the construction industry worldwide, BPGF is ensuring that its products provides properties that meet these needs.
“In today’s world where the energy crisis is intensifying, high-performance laminated glass has increasing relevance as it decreases the light and heat transmittance inside buildings, thereby saving on cost and energy consumed for air-conditioning,” says Mani.
“This would be taken care of by our ceramic frit and silk screen printing division that could offer coverage through printing so as to reduce the shading co-efficient of the insulated glass,” he adds.
According to Mani, the following methods are adopted by the company in its pursuit of excellence and commitment to quality and ethics in all spheres of its business:
• To build trust through excellence in every field of its organisational growth;
• To contribute to economic development;
• To be a responsive institution committed to build long-lasting customer relationships;
• To ensure the prosperity of each and every member of BPGF;
• To combine aggressive strategic marketing with quality products and services at competitive prices to provide architectural products desired by the architects, designers and their clients, thereby offering value for money; and
• Profitable growth through superior customer service, innovation, quality and commitment.
With this focus, BPGF aims to supply products of consistent quality, as specified by customers, to ensure their satisfaction; develop a professional team to deal with all aspects of the company’s products; maintain continuous improvement in systems, procedures, organisation and product range; fulfil all legal and regulatory requirements; and ensure employee satisfaction.

Production process
The most modern and comprehensive production principles are being applied by its production department, including detailed control plans that error-proof all stages of operation. Absolute clarity is documented in defining the reaction plan and preventive action necessary at all stages, he says.
Each stage of production has clear pictorial-standard operating procedures for all the essential steps. The focus is to control the process first, and then to control the product by verification at every stage. Practices of first-off inspection, in-process inspection, control charts and statistical process controls are used at all stages.
“The responsibility, authority and the interrelation of all personnel who manage, perform and verify work that affects quality, is clearly defined, particularly for personnel who need the organisational freedom and authority to initiate action to prevent product non-conformity and identify and record any product quality problems,” Mani says.
An active quality control department with reference guides from world-class quality enforcers like ASTM ensures that only the optimal quality products leave the factory, he adds.
All staff members are adequately trained and follow a continuous improvement process through regular training and periodic performance assessments to ensure both organisational development as well as development of individual skills.
This way, the company will be able to manage employee expectations and ensure personal growth, Mani says.