GulfGuard, the joint venture between Guardian Glass and the National Company for Glass Industries (ZOUJAJ), has unveiled plans to significantly expand its production footprint in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. The development includes a second float glass line and a new advanced sputter coater, both set to elevate the company’s ability to supply high-performance architectural glass to the Middle East.

The announcement follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the U.S.–Saudi Business Forum in Washington, DC on November 19, during the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. The agreement reinforces international industry cooperation while aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives for manufacturing localization and technological leadership.

Production Capabilities and Timeline

The new sputter coater is scheduled to begin operations in 2027, with the float line to follow in 2028. The float line will manufacture standard clear float glass in thicknesses from 4–12 mm and jumbo sheet lengths of up to 6 meters. In addition, the line will be capable of producing Guardian UltraClear™ low-iron glass, addressing growing demand for premium clarity façades and large-format glazing.

The coater will expand GulfGuard’s high-performance portfolio with low-E and solar control coatings, including Guardian SunGuard™ double and triple silver solutions. These products support stricter regional building performance codes by delivering optimized solar control, daylight comfort, and energy efficiency across commercial and public infrastructure developments.

Strengthening Supply for Regional Growth

The Middle East continues to experience a rise in urban expansion projects, hospitality builds, and high-spec façade developments. By consolidating advanced assets on a single site, GulfGuard intends to create a regional production hub that improves delivery reliability, logistics efficiency, and product availability for contractors and glass processors.

Guus Boekhoudt, Global Executive Vice President at Guardian Glass, emphasized the strategic value of the investment in reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s Local Content and Saudi Made programs. Chairman of ZOUJAJ, Omar Al Humaidan, highlighted that the expansion marks a continued commitment to technological innovation and long-term economic contribution across the Kingdom.