GW: Having traded glass since 1985 and processed automotive and architectural glass since 1996, Gold Plus has achieved remarkable growth in the wake of becoming the first wholly Indian-owned company to produce float glass in 2009. What position does the company currently hold in the India flat glass production business?

We are the second largest float glass producer in India in terms of installed capacity. Customer delight has always been our aim and our Chairman, Mr Subhash Tyagi, the visionary who laid the targets for the company, has been very clear about that. To meet our customers’ expectations we have grown as a float glass manufacturer. There is enough growth potential in India and we target that growth.

GW: What are the current capabilities of your existing manufacturing facility at Roorkee, Uttarakhand in the north of India?

We have two float lines in Roorkee with a combined installed capacity of 1250tpd along with a mirror line. A new silver mirror line is under installation and will be upstream by March 2022 [at the time of this interview].

Our focus is to make sure that we provide a complete the range of products for our customers. We produce clear float glass, tinted glass, reflective glass, frosted glass and mirrors at Roorkee.

GW: What are the highlights of recent investments in Roorkee?

We commissioned Line 2 at Roorkee in January 2018 and after that Line 1 was rebuilt in 2019 where we increased the capacity from 460tpd to 550tpd and made improvements to the whole line, providing better fuel efficiency, product capability and life of the furnace.

As mentioned earlier, the new silver mirror line will be operational by March 2022.

GW: What was the motivation for the recently announced expansion programme in southern India?

This expansion is planned when considering the growth of float glass industry in India. Our Chairman is committed to making India self-reliant for float glass. He believes this investment will not only help us in serving our customers based in the south and west regions in efficient way but will also reduce dependency on imports.

The expansion will be at Belgaum, Karnataka. We have already started work at the site and will put up three lines consisting of two float lines and one solar glass line. Total installed capacity will be 1,900tpd (800tpd for each float and 300tpd for solar). The three lines will be operational over the next two years.

GW: How has the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the construction plans?

Covid has been really difficult for everyone in the country, but recently the restrictions have started easing. Now, the construction activities are progressing well at site. We make sure that we follow all the Covid protocols. It’s important for everyone’s safety.

GW: Having previously worked with internationally renowned companies such as Fives, Glaston, Grenzebach, ISRA, Lahti, LiSEC, Schiatti Angelo and others, who will be the main suppliers of technology to support the new investment?

We have signed contracts with CTIEC, Grenzebach and ISRA for this project. All are extremely reputable suppliers and we have had good experience with them in the past.

Our idea is to adopt the best and latest technology available right now that can help us improve efficiencies in all aspects of the production process.

GW: Why was the location of Belgaum, Karnataka chosen for the new plant?

Since we already have a presence in North India, we wanted our next location to provide us with good strategic coverage that would complement the existing location. Belgaum was chosen after a thorough study of various locations. This is a beautiful location, meets all our basic requirement and is strategically very well placed to cover the south and west market. Once this location is operational, it will help us in serving our customers in an even more efficient way.

GW: Will the new location provide opportunities for exporting produce?

The intent is to cater to the Indian market but being closer to port opens up the possibility of exports in the future.

GW: What products will be manufactured at the new plant?

Our product range will consist of clear glass, a tinted glass range, reflective glass and frosted glass. This will be the first facility in India to manufacture 15mm and 19mm thickness clear float glass. There is a plan to add a mirror line and an offline coater later at this facility.

GW: So customers have reacted positively to the announcement of the plant?

The response has been amazing, especially from our customers from southern and western parts of India. They are eagerly awaiting the plants to be operational. Gold Plus has always had a customer-centric approach and with this expansion we will be able to deliver goods even more efficiently all over India.

GW: How many people are employed by Gold Plus and will it be a challenge to recruit a workforce in Belgaum with the necessary expertise?

Over 1,400 people are part of the Gold Plus family at present. Over the years we have created a good infrastructure that has helped us nurture young talent. This has proven to be a good way to develop an experienced set of people. We are well prepared to recruit another 2,000 people required for the new facility.

GW: How is Gold Plus investing in the specialist flat glass processing facility in Kala Amb, Himachal Pradesh, catering to high value glasses such as toughened, laminated, insulating, ceramic printed, acoustic, bulletproof and automotive?

In the processing facility we are continuously making improvements to keep up with the latest technology. We have plans to upgrade our infrastructure there in 2022.

GW: How would you summarise Gold Plus’ growth strategy for the years to come?

We want to be a leading player in the flat glass manufacturing segments and will continue to expand in the float and solar segments in the coming years. Our focus will be to make sure we are able to serve the Indian market in best possible ways.

The Indian flat glass market will grow at a good pace and we would like to have a major share.

GW: With Gold Plus being a member of the All India Glass Manufacturers’ Federation (AIGMF), how important is the federation’s role in the furtherment of the Indian glass industry?

The AIGMF is the single biggest platform to bring together the glass Industry in India. They have been a great ambassador for the Indian glass industry at various levels. Their representation has definitely helped the industry in a lot of ways. All concerns and improvements required for the glass industry in India are always addressed efficiently by the AIGMF.

GW: With the next editions recently rescheduled for 14–16 September 2023, how useful are events such glasspro INDIA and glasspex INDIA?

These exhibitions provide very good platforms to interact with all vertical markets within the glass industry. We are looking forward to participating at such events when they take place again.

Image: The Gold Plus plant in Roorkee, Uttarakhand (inset: Jimmy Tyagi).