Ras Al Khaimah crown prince and deputy ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, on Tuesday officially dedicated the new $150 million float glass plant of Guardian RAK at a function held in the emirate.

Guardian is a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in Michigan, US, with leading positions in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive applications.

The Guardian RAK plant, which began full production in September 2007, produces 700 tonnes of glass per day, used in automotive, commercial, residential and furniture applications.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony at Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Sheikh Saud said, "We are very honoured that Guardian has selected RAK to set up this advanced glass plant. The presence of global leaders like Guardian reflects the advantages Ras Al Khaimah holds out for industries to make the emirate their base in the region."

Russ Ebeid, president of Guardian’s Glass group, said that the new plant would enhance the company’s ability to meet the burgeoning glass needs of the UAE and beyond.

"We continue to develop a strong customer base in the Gulf region and are pleased to expand capacity along with our partners."

"With our plants in RAK, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, we are producing a combined capacity of nearly 2000 tonnes per day, assuring a seamless supply of glass for this growing region," he added.

Russ Ebeid added that the plant will soon start manufacturing high- performance coated glass products, including SunGuard, Guardian’s line of advanced architectural glass, following installation of a high-tech coating machine.

"Soon you will see the addition of nanotechnology with advanced coatings produced on our float glass and vacuum coater in the RAK plant, enabling the manufacture of a variety of world class products."

"These innovations, like our SunGuard series of advanced architectural products installed on the Burj Dubai, help architects and developers to `build with light’. This myriad set of advanced products will be available next year in Ras Al Khaimah," he added.

Yousef S Al Salman, general manager, The National Company for Glass Industries (Zoujaj), Adib Al Zamil, managing director of Zamil Group and Peter Walters, group vice president, International Business Development, Guardian Industries Corp. spoke at the function.-TradeArabia News Service