AGI Glaspac, one of the leading manufacturers of integrated container-glass, inaugurated its new greenfield facility work and announced that with the manufacturing of speciality glass, the company foresees topline growth in its revenue by not less than 15-18% by 2022-23.

The company had raised an investment of Rs 220 crores to manufacture special glass for premium segments, such as cosmetics, perfumery, personal care, carbonated water and high-end spirits. According to the manufacturer, these special glasses require an additional layer of printing decoration, design and detailing work, which is possible only using specific technologies. AGI Glaspac aims to attract further investment to complete the work.

For the printing design and decoration of the speciality glass, the company will evaluate engaging with Indian start-ups that can meet the international standards of printing and decoration.

In a press note shared with PrintWeek, the company stated that it has been serving its customers in the liquor, wine, food, chemical and pharma industry worldwide with commercial and Type-1 glass quality for over 40 years. The addition of clear speciality glass to its portfolio will cater to a new customer segment.

Rajesh Khosla, president and CEO at AGI Glaspac, said: “The pandemic has resulted in geopolitical disengagement with certain countries. It will leave the glass industry with a huge void and a shortfall of suppliers or importers in the future.

"We believe that it is a huge opportunity for Indian manufacturers and start-ups for various industries to increase exports and reduce imports. It is a golden opportunity to raise the bar in the international markets for the ‘Made-in-India’ products. AGI Glaspac’s entry in the new segment of manufacturing speciality glass is a strategic decision. It will allow us to cater to the much-expected rise in the global demand after the pandemic subsides.”

The first phase of investment of Rs 220 crores will go towards four levels of expenses – civil construction of the plant, machinery and a new furnace, utilities and a new team for the development of the newly launched AGI Speciality Glass Division. The company will engage more than 4,600 people, including direct and indirect employees (600 direct and 4,000 indirect employment). The total strength of the team is 14,700, and it will be 19,300 by the end of 2022.

KT Rama Rao, minister for Municipal Administration and Urban Development, Industry and Commerce, Information Technology, at Telangana state said via Twitter, “Happy to welcome new investments from the HSIL Group into its glass business AGI Glaspac, along with plastic pipes business. Many thanks to a good friend and managing director of HSIL Sandeep Somany for his continued support towards the Telangana state.”

Early this year, the company had announced a geographical expansion with an estimated investment of Rs 700 crores in the eastern part of India. However, due to the pandemic, the company envisaged investment opportunities to expand its existing plant at Bhongir, Telangana. With the ease of doing business at Telangana, the company has chosen the state for the new segment launch. The plan to geographically expand to service the trade-sensitive regions will be taken up later.

AGI Glaspac is the packaging products division of HSIL. It was established in 1972 and is one of the leading container-glass manufacturers in the country. AGI has two facilities, one in Hyderabad and the other in Bhongir, Telangana. With an in-house design studio, mould manufacturing and ACL (Applied Ceramic Labeling) facilities, AGI has fully integrated operations.

With the Hyderabad and Bhongir facilities put together, AGI melts around 1,600 tonnes of glass per day. With four furnaces, AGI can commit to availability of flint, amber and green glass throughout the year.