Guardian Glass eyes expansion in Egypt with new emission-reducing technology

US-based glass manufacturer Guardian Glass is planning to expand its operations in Egypt to boost its coated-glass production through its subsidiary, Guardian Egypt, Economy Plus reported on February 26. 

Guardian Glass is one of the world's largest manufacturers of float and fabricated glass, providing advanced solutions for architectural and residential projects globally. The company is a privately held subsidiary of Koch Industries. 

The company also plans to introduce emission-reducing glass that can decrease electricity consumption in buildings by up to 40%, according to John Reese, Director of Government Affairs and Public Relations for Guardian Glass, overseeing Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific markets.

Reese explained that the company plans to launch its new low-emission glass technology in Egypt for the first time in the country and in Africa by June 2026. This expansion will not only enhance Guardian Glass’s operations in Egypt but also open the door to exporting to Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

As Egypt continues to make significant progress in infrastructure development and improving the investment environment, Reese noted that Guardian Glass aims to utilise the high efficiency of Egypt's workforce and the country’s strong trade ties with various global markets, which facilitate access to global markets, particularly Africa, which is experiencing rapid growth. Egypt's membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is seen as a key advantage.

The announcement came during a meeting between Egyptian Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Fayed, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones Mohamed El-Gosky, and a delegation from Guardian Glass to discuss the company’s expansion plans in Egypt.

El-Gosky pointed out that Guardian Glass would benefit from Egypt’s plan to establish logistics zones in six African countries: Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Tanzania, Congo, Kenya, and South Africa, which will serve as launchpads for Egyptian exports to African markets. The ministry expects Egyptian exports to African markets to grow by double digits in the coming years.

The time for customs clearance in Egypt has been reduced from 15.8 to 5.8 days, cutting shipping costs by $1.5bn for Egyptian companies. In addition, the government has invested $550bn in infrastructure development, including roads and ports, supporting investment flows.