Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade, Mohamed Farid, inaugurated on Thursday a new high-performance glass production line at US-based Guardian Glass’s factory in 10th of Ramadan City, Sharqia, representing an investment of approximately $25 million.
Governor of Sharqia Hazem El-Ashmony, CEO of the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones (GAFI) Mohamed Awad, and senior officials from the Ministry, GAFI, and Guardian Glass were present at the event.
During the inauguration, Minister Farid said expansions by existing investors demonstrate confidence in Egypt’s investment climate and encourage new investment.
He emphasised attracting projects that localise technology, increase local components, add value, strengthen Egypt’s role in global supply chains, create employment, and stimulate growth.
The ministry is working to simplify procedures and digitize the investor journey through an integrated electronic system covering approvals, licenses, and investment services.
He highlighted Egypt’s young workforce, infrastructure, legislation, incentives, and trade agreements as advantages for becoming a regional and international production and export hub, particularly in sectors with competitive advantages and access to foreign markets. He also stressed the value of technology-driven industrial investment, especially energy-efficient solutions that reduce emissions.
The new line uses “Vacuum Coater” technology to improve the optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of locally produced glass and increase local value-added. Products include Guardian SunGuard Solar Control glass, which controls solar heat while preserving natural light, and Guardian ClimaGuard Low-E glass, which improves insulation and reduces cooling requirements.
Farid encouraged Guardian Glass to use voluntary carbon-market mechanisms by issuing verified carbon credits based on energy savings achieved through its products, potentially strengthening competitiveness and creating value for institutions seeking to reduce carbon footprints.
The expansion is expected to create about 30 specialised engineering and operational jobs, plus hundreds of indirect opportunities, with employees receiving technology training. Guardian Glass said the project will expand locally manufactured products and strengthen access to Egyptian, regional, and international markets.
The Sharqia governor, for his part, highlighted the expansion’s contribution to production, employment, exports, and the competitiveness of 10th of Ramadan’s industrial zone, noting coordination with authorities to facilitate investor procedures.
Guus Boekhoudt, Guardian Glass’s Executive Vice President of Global Commercial Operations, described Egypt as a vital production hub and praised government cooperation with the Ministry, GAFI, and other authorities, including support with building permits, customs, incentives, and electricity approvals.
Guardian Glass has operated in Egypt since 2003. Its 10th of Ramadan plant employs approximately 207 people and supplies high-performance glass to local and regional markets.
