Gulf Construction Online - UFG gears up for global domination

Glass & Metal

Aldughaither.

UFG gears up for global domination

01 October 2012

LAUNCHED barely three years ago with the objective of meeting the worldwide demand for float glass and offering value-added products, Arabian United Float Glass Company (UFG) has witnessed exponential growth since its inception with its ever-expanding range of products now reaching the far reaches of the globe.

Having established itself in the international market, the company has now initiated plans to expand its product range to include pattern glass, laminated glass and solar glass panels, as well as launch a second float glass lines in the near future.

“Ever since it cut the ribbon in 2009, UFG has been producing 600 tonnes per day of clear and tinted glass in various architectural and automotive types. We are also proud to be the only green architecture and green automotive producer in the GCC,” says Ziyad Aldughaither, deputy chairman and managing director of the Saudi-based company.

UFG is believed to be the first independent float line in the Middle East and Africa.

Using state-of-the-art technology at its facility located strategically in Yanbu, the company produces flat glass of architectural or automotive quality from 2 mm to 15 mm in thickness under the Aralux brand name.

“Our brand name (Aralux) for glass and mirror is currently covering 55 countries all over the globe, and the company intends to expand its exports to include more countries,” he says.

Among the first products offered by the company were Aralux Clear, which boast some of the highest light transmission values in the flat glass industry, and Light Green glass, which is supplied to some of the most demanding automotive processors and architectural glass manufacturers in this region and worldwide.

The company further boosted its range in July this year with the addition of Aralux Mirrors, which comprise lead-free and copper-free mirror glass. It can produce 70 tonnes per day of these value-added glass products.

Other products offered by the company include Aralux Automotive for the automotive industry.

UFG produces numerous types of float glass according to customer demand. It has, therefore, created standard types of glass – available at all times – and customised products depending on client needs. These include clear architectural glass for glazing (CL-ARG), clear architectural glass for tempering (CL-ART), clear glass for automotive (CL-AU), clear glass for coating (CL-CO), and clear glass for mirror (CL-MR) in the Clear Glass line. In the Light Green category, UFG has architectural glass for glazing (LG-ARG), architectural glass for tempering (LG-ART) and for coating (LG-CO) and Light Green glass for automotive (LG-AU).

In line with the company’s focus on introducing innovative products, UFG is planning to launch a number of new products next year. These include a new pattern glass product when the construction of its new complex of pattern glass line is complete and laminating glass.

UFG ... quality glass for all applications.

UFG will start shortly the production of architectural laminated glass (glass with an intermediate film inserted between two pieces of Clear or Light Green) to meet the growing demand for safety and burglar-resistant glass products. This product is also said to be very effective in resisting 99 per cent of ultraviolet (UV) rays and assures good sound insulation performance.

The company intends to produce solar glass panels soon. Furthermore, a second float line will be constructed just beside the existing facility in the near future.

Founded in early 2006 as a closed stock company by large strategic institutional investors such as National Gas and Industrialisation Company, Saudi Real Estate Company, National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia and Al Rashid Group, plus a group of glass processing companies, UFG has had a strong solid start.

To ensure the production of the best quality glass, the company contracted the best companies in Europe, US and Far East to build its float line. The highly-automated factory in the Yanbu Industrial City on the Red Sea produces a variety of thicknesses, colours and sizes of glass to satisfy the needs of its customers.

“The location was selected due to the availability of natural glass supplies, nitrogen gas, and other industrial facilities such as water and power. Moreover, the Royal Commission of Yanbu extends full support to the heavy and light industries. Jeddah and Yanbu seaports are in close proximity facilitating our in and out-bound needs,” says Aldughaither.

It has a team of highly qualified and visionary professionals with decades of expertise in various sectors both in the glass and other industries.

The company launched production in 2009 in a market that was initially unreceptive. “It was not easy to penetrate the market,” recalls Aldughaither. “However, by establishing strong business ties with our customers and striving for both a sustainable and enduring relationship between our employees, suppliers and local community, we managed to put UFG on the map as a strong, promising and reputable float glass manufacturer exporting glass to all over the globe.”

The company was soon selling its products to countries all over the globe. “This is a testament that our product meets global quality specifications and this is also shows our commitment of giving quality product and customer service,” he adds.

UFG has been able to capture 44 per cent of the local market which is equal to 40 per cent of its production, while the remaining 60 per cent is destined for the export market, according to Aldughaither. “UFG works very hard to deliver its promises, while ensuring that its business operations are focused on quality, reliability and value to the customers. By interacting with our clients and listening to their needs, UFG has been able to anticipate market requirements and respond more effectively,” Aldughaither says.

“We believe that the glass industry requires continuous and ongoing research and development; hence, we are always on the look-out for new ideas that will help advance the company’s production,” he concludes.