In August Al Abbar Architectural Glass in Dubai will install the world's largest low-E tempering line. The Tamglass ProE MAGNUM™, capable of tempering glass sizes up to 7.2 x 3.3 meters, will enable the company to respond to the ever increasing demand for large glass openings in architecture and dramatically increase AAG's overall production capacity, not only for tempered, but for all forms of heat-treated glass.

With a thickness range of 3.8 to 19 mm, the MAGNUM will be installed alongside the company's existing 4.8 x 2.4 meter Tamglass ProE line and be supported by three automatic cutting lines, including a new Lisec Jumbo machine that ships this week from Austria.

According to a company news release, with this move chairperson Rashid Al Abbar is continuing his policy of logical expansion and diversification to serve the ever more demanding local market, while at the same time widening the marketing horizons outside of the immediate region. In line with the increasingly global nature of the glass and construction sectors, Al Abbar will be able to further utilize the advantages of Dubai's strategic location and efficient port and transport facilities.

Al Abbar stated, "Our faith in companies of the caliber of Tamglass, for the supply and service of lines for flat tempering, curved tempering, laminating, screen printing, double glazing, etc., has been justified over the years since we bought our first Tamglass equipment in the 1980s, being also the first Tamglass machine in the UAE."

"This new ProE MAGNUM delivery demonstrates well the long and close relationship between our companies and the individuals. It also demonstrates Al Abbar's drive for excellence and ability to serve ever more demanding architectural industry," stated Pentti Salin, vice president business development of Tamgass and Bavelloni (Glaston Technologies).

Coinciding with the Glass Processing Days meeting, which is held every other year by Tamglass at its headquarters city of Tampere, Finland, AAG's factory manager Celso Broqueza was accompanied by newly appointed managing director Alistair Kellock to inspect the MAGNUM test runs prior to shipping before the end of June.

Kellock commented, "Rashid Al Abbar has once again demonstrated his confidence in his team, the local economy and quality manufacturers and suppliers. I have been privileged to witness the growth of the Al Abbar family's industries over the past 20 years, successfully managed due to their personal commitment and drive, and apparently we can expect further exciting news from Mr. Al Abbar in the not-too-distant future. Working for him is going to be tough but we'll try to have some fun along the way. It is good to be back in the Gulf region among friends!"