Iran sees opening of ‘largest’ Middle East float line

A major float glass factory has been inaugurated in Iran, in the presence of First Vice President Mohammad Reza Rahimi. The facility, located in Farsjin, in Iran’s Qazvin Province, is thought to be the largest float glass factory in the Middle East.

The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the plant will help to increase the annual volume of float glass production in Iran from 720,000 tons to 900,000 tons.

Construction of the factory began six years ago at a cost of $300 million. Now in operation, it will produce 120,000m2 of glass per day, at thicknesses of 1.2 to 1.9mm.

A reported 30% of the plant’s output will be exported to Europe. The project is thought to create a total of 7800 direct and indirect jobs.

Glass demand in Iran, which has increased sharply over recent years, is expected to grow by a further 21% during the next four years. The country is estimated to have an 18% share in the Middle East market.