The glass industry in India.

http://www.allbusiness.com/nonmetallic-mineral/glass-glass-manufacturing/726547-1.html

Date: Saturday, November 1 2003

The modern Indian glass industry is around 100 years old. In the first half of the last century the
industry was rather primitive, melting the glass in pot furnaces and small tank furnaces that were
fuelled by either coal or gas--although some furnaces at the coastal cities used furnace oil.

From the early 1950s the glass industry started manufacturing using modern equipment, both for
melting and production. Collaboration with multinational companies gave a boost to the industry.
It was in the lost decade of the twentieth century that the Indian glass industry started to
seriously compete globally, installing improved furnaces to conserve energy and therefore reduce
the cost of production.

The cheaper availability of natural gas in some parts of the country also enabled the industry to
reduce energy costs to some extent, and the flat glass industry upgraded to the float process.
India now has four float glass plants, although there are still a few sheet glass manufacturing
units in operation using both the Fourcault and PPG processes. The manufacture of figured glass
is well established in India.

Container glass production has benefited from the addition of higher capacity manufacturing
units during the past decade, and this part of the industry is doing fairly well. The flask linings
sector has earned a niche in the export market, as well as meeting the domestic requirement.

The manufacture of glass bangles has moved to the semi automatic process and India has its own
technology in the bangle and glass bead sector. Research is currently being undertaken for the
technological improvement of the finishing process.

There has been a quantum leap in glass fibre manufacture with new multinational entrants and a
substantial growth in exports. The tableware industry was badly hit with imports and is slowly
recovering, acquiring modern equipment to upgrade the sector. There is potential for foreign
collaboration here.

Ophthalmic glass is still being imported into India and there is scope for putting modern
manufacturing units in place. The industry is progressing steadily and will hopefully reach global
standards in the weaker sectors as well as in those that are currently strong.
Indian glass industry overview.
http://www.allbusiness.com/nonmetallic-mineral/glass-glass-manufacturing/859389-1.html
Date: Tuesday, November 1 2005

At the 61st annual session of the All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation, held in New Delhi
last September, retiring President, Sanjay Somany reviewed key issues facing the local glass
industry, in the presence of Dr Ajay Dua, Secretary (IPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industries,
Government of India. A summary of Sanjay Somany's presentation is given below, together with
details of the federation's newly elected officers.

Despite the uncertainties associated with two consecutive coalition governments, the Indian
economy has undergone rapid and all-encompassing change, clearly indicating the strengths of
Indian democracy. Economic policy changes have eased out Indian enterprise from
governmental control towards globalisation of the economy. These measures have borne fruit
and the economy is on a steady progressive path. In spite of petroleum price hikes, inflation is
under control and the national economy is expected to grow by around 7%. The balance of
payments continues to be favourable and India has comfortable foreign exchange reserves.

Promoting the industry

Since its inception in 1944, the All India Glass Manufacturers' Federation has been promoting
the cause of all segments of the local glass industry. Sustained efforts are being made by
members of the federation to promote the industry's growth and development.

Diversified capabilities

The Indian glass industry has a rich history. From mouth blown and hand working processes, it
has taken to automation in a big way, although traditional manufacturing processes have not
been abandoned. Mouth blown and handcrafted glassware have a dominant role in decorative
and table glassware, products which are exported in large quantities.

The majority of raw materials required by the industry are available locally, providing excellent
scope for growth and development.

Flat glass

Despite the closure of certain sheet glass manufacturing units, total flat glass production has
increased via the establishment of new float lines. There has been an increase in demand for float
glass as a result of increased investment from the construction and automotive sectors. Float
glass manufacturers are gearing up to meet this demand and are planning to increase their
installed capacities.

Containers
Glass container production has more than doubled from approximately 800,000 tonnes in 1997-
98 to some 1.7 million tonnes in 2004-05. This is despite the stiff competition faced from
alternative packaging materials.

Production levels increased by 5% in the last 12 months, emphasising the continued importance
of the material as a preferred packing material in view of its transparency, chemical inertness,
impermeability and ability to maintain the optimum freshness of its contents.

Tableware

The massive surge of imports, especially from China, continues to impact the local glass
tableware industry, with large quantities of opal and crystal ware being dumped in the market.
The price at which these items are being sold shows that either all or most goods have reached
the market by avoiding customs duty payments. This has resulted in the underutilisation of
installed capacity and is adversely affecting the profitability of local manufacturers.

Exports

Dramatically increased Levels of glass and glassware exports have been recorded in recent years,
from US$35 million in 1993-94 to US$200 million in 2002-03 and US$227 million in 2003-04
(all figures ore approximate currency conversions : Ed). In the last 12 months, increasing
production costs have slowed the rate of growth, however, to a level of US$234 million.

Products to achieve strong export growth in 2004-05 were glass fibre, ophthalmic Lenses, glass
lampware, containers, bangles, table/ kitchenware, mirrors, glass beads and false pearls. Export
shortfalls were recorded for vacuum flasks and refills, unworked sheet glass, VIALS, float glass
and scientific glassware.

New AIGMF officers

Elected to replace Sanjay Somany as President of the AIGMF for the current term of office is PK
Kheruka, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Borosil Glassworks Ltd, Mumbai. His
successor as Senior Vice President is Satish Kumar Jhunjhunwala of Shree Gobinddeo Glass
Works Ltd, Kolkata. Newly elected to the role of Vice President is Mukul Somany from
Hindusthan National Glass & Industries Ltd. Honorary General Secretary is SC Bansat of Adarsh
Kanch Udyog (P) Ltd, Firozabad and Honorary Treasurer, Shantanu Chand, The Mahalakshmi
Glass Works Pvt Ltd, Mumbai.