GlassKote Float Glass Industries Announces Over AUD 1.2 Billion Investment for Next-Generation Plants

In a game-changing leap for the global glass industry, GlassKote FGI Pty Ltd (GK) has confirmed funding exceeding AUD 1.2 billion to build two of the most advanced low-iron float glass plants in the world — the first commencing in Queensland, Australia in early 2026, with the second in the United Arab Emirates to follow in the ensuing months. These plants will not only restore sovereign glass production where it’s needed most — they will set new global benchmarks for innovation, sustainability, and AI-driven performance in the built environment, renewable energy, defence, and consumer technology sectors.

PROJECT ONE — 700 TPD Low-Iron Float Glass + 400 ton per day WtE Mega-Plant in Queensland, Australia

Launching in early 2026, GK’s Queensland project will feature:

• 700 tonnes per day of low-iron glass for architectural, solar, and specialty applications.
• 400 tonnes per day Waste-to-Energy facility using proprietary Cyrion technology to generate green hydrogen and renewable electricity with zero emissions.
• Integrated Gorilla Glass production for domestic and export markets.
• Silicon nanotube integration and DNA AI ‘Living Glass’ technology — enabling self-healing, seismic-resilient, and energy-optimising glass products.
• Integrated solar glass manufacturing for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and smart glazing.
• Advanced coating and value-add lines for laminated, toughened, ballistic, Low-E, and solar-control glass.

This facility will close Australia’s glass supply gap, generate its own renewable energy, and export surplus power — making it one of the most sustainable glass plants ever built. The year following the Queensland mega-plant launch, GK will commence construction of a second 700 TPD standard float glass plant in Australia.

The Queensland facility proudly delivers 100% Australian-made glass, produced entirely from locally sourced materials and components. This commitment supports Australian jobs, strengthens national manufacturing sovereignty, and drives a truly circular, homegrown economy.

PROJECT TWO — 1,000 TPD Low-Iron Float Glass Super-Plant in the UAE 

The UAE facility launching mid 2026 will be the largest and most technologically advanced of its kind in the MENA region, delivering:

• 1,000 tonnes per day of premium low-iron float glass for architectural, renewable energy, and specialty markets.
• Gorilla Glass production lines for ultra-thin, impact-resistant glass in electronics, automotive, and architectural applications.
• Silicon nanotube integration and DNA AI ‘Living Glass’ technology — enabling self-healing, seismic-resilient, and energy-optimising glass products.
• Integrated solar glass manufacturing for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and smart glazing.
• Advanced coating and value-add lines for laminated, toughened, ballistic, Low-E, and solar-control glass. Over size glass panels.

GROUNDBREAKING REFRACTORY INNOVATION

In a parallel development, SDH Australia and Cyrion Technologies have introduced a world-first refractory material engineered to last the full operational life of a float glass plant. This breakthrough eliminates the need for costly shutdowns and tank rebuilds — a game-changing advancement that transforms plant economics, uptime, and environmental performance. It represents a decisive leap forward in industrial sustainability and reliability.

Coupled with near-zero energy costs, the collaboration has achieved what many in the industry thought impossible — the most energy-efficient and costeffective glass manufacturing facility on Earth. This next-generation platform combines advanced materials science, AI-driven optimisation, and clean-energy integration to deliver unparalleled output with minimal operating costs.

The result is not just a better plant — it’s a new benchmark for global glass production and a model for the future of sustainable manufacturing.

ECONOMIC IMPACT & GLOBAL REACH

Together, the projects represent:

• AUD $1.2+ billion total investment
• Projected AU$1 B combined annual EBITDA by Year 4
• Creation of a thousand + skilled jobs across manufacturing, R&D, and high-tech engineering

Cyrion technologies Pty Ltd, SDH Australia Pty Ltd , Sustainable Markets Fund Pty Ltd. DNA AI Pty Ltd. Data ESG Pty Ltd, Enhance Business Solutions (NZ) Limited.

Quotes

Aleksandar Vasiljevic OAM, Founder & Executive Chairman, GK:

“We are building the most advanced glass plants in the world — and we’re doing it twice, on two continents. These facilities will not only deliver the clearest, strongest, smartest glass ever made; they will drive a new era of sustainable manufacturing, AI-driven materials science, and energy-positive industry.”

About GlassKote Float Glass Industries Pty Ltd 

GK is an Australian-based innovator in advanced glass technologies, committed to sustainable production and global supply chain resilience since 1964.