Delhi-based Gold Plus Glass Industry (Gold Plus), one of India’s leading float glass manufacturers, has ventured into the solar glass segment with its newly commissioned manufacturing facility in Karnataka. With this development, the company has diversified its product portfolio and reinforced its position as a key player in India’s glass manufacturing industry. As of September 30, 2023, Gold Plus held a 22% share of the country’s float glass manufacturing capacity, according to the CRISIL Report (January 2024).
Enhanced Manufacturing Capacity and Strategic Investments
The Karnataka facility, which achieved Commercial Operations Date (COD) in June 2024, adds significant production capacity. The plant boasts a phase-wise float glass capacity of 584,000 metric tons per annum and a solar glass capacity of 109,500 metric tons per annum. Coupled with its existing Roorkee plant’s 456,250 metric tons per annum capacity, Gold Plus now has a total float glass production capacity exceeding one million tons annually (1,040,250 metric tons per annum).
The Rs. 2,500 crore investment for the Karnataka project not only solidifies Gold Plus’s leadership in the sector but also elevates its market share in India’s float glass industry to 26.1%, as reported by CRISIL.
Solar Glass Industry Gains Momentum
Gold Plus’s entry into the solar glass market comes at a pivotal time for the sector, which has witnessed increased domestic production driven by protective tariffs on imports. Solar glass manufacturing demands higher precision and quality compared to standard glass production, making it a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. While the domestic solar glass supply has struggled to meet demand in the past, recent policy changes have improved the outlook for manufacturers like Gold Plus.
This expansion positions Gold Plus as a vital contributor to India’s renewable energy ecosystem, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality solar glass for the nation’s growing green energy initiatives.