Globe Mirror rebrands as Globe Glass

By Sarah Hannan

Tracing back its humble beginnings at Pettah in 1969 with two employees, Globe Mirror Industries Ltd. has seen a steady growth in business. Founded by late Mohammed Nawaz, the two-man operation gradually grew by establishing two glass-processing plants in Colombo. With the increasing demand for high grade glass, Globe Mirror had to outfit their plants with the latest technology and is stepping up with quality and safety measures to suit today’s consumer needs.

Today, the company has a workforce of 200 persons and to enhance its global reach, have rebranded as Globe Glass Ltd. As the company has increasingly become a leading processor and supplier in all types of glass for Sri Lanka, aside from mirrors, May of 2015 has seen the company being renamed as Globe Glass (Pvt) Ltd. It has also seen a drive to enable access to the company across a range of touch points including a redesigned and enhanced digital presence.

The rebranding includes a new corporate identity and logo, and accompanies the opening of a plush new multi-storey showroom and office located in Kohuwala. The new building is designed utilising solar control energy saving glass, enabling heat resistance, reducing the energy requirements and consumption in the office and backing its goal of a reduced carbon footprint.

The Globe Glass tempered and laminating plants, commissioned in late 2009, are capable of producing glass that is tempered and toughened up to five times the strength of regular glass of the same thickness, as well as detailed coloured and fabric laminated safety glass for all external and interior requirements. Producing to an ISO 9001:2008 certification standard, the plant is an integral part of the overall Globe Glass production process that has won international accreditation and awards. Recognised by the Safe Glass Consortium (SGC) as the safest tempering factory in Sri Lanka, the two plants have also contributed to Globe Glass being named Certified Glass Processor for the world’s largest glass manufacturer – St. Gobain Glass. This plant is also equipped with state of the art glass processing machines, which makes it possible for the company to seamlessly supply the needs of the Sri Lankan glass industry.

In addition to its efforts locally, Globe Glass has also strengthened its international relationships over the years, importing float glass and accessories from industry giants such as the Guardian Glass Group, St. Gobain Glass India and Ozone. The company also recently invested in a CNC Bottero Practica edging machine from Italy, which is the only one of its kind in Sri Lanka and is able to cut glass to precise sizes as well as provide edging and bevelling of glass and mirrors of any image or shape.

Speaking on the rebranding, Globe Glass Chairman Firaz Nawaz explained, “Since its inception in 1969, Globe Glass has focused on quality, service and adaptability to changing customer needs - this foundation stands true today. Globe Glass is now able to better support green initiatives through the introduction of Solar Control Glass, which allows light inside whilst enabling heat resistance, thereby saving on energy consumption.”

In line with the Government’s vision to further develop the construction industry, Globe Glass has planned to set up our own Double and Triple Glazed Units which will adhere to international standards. This is yet another first in Sri Lanka and further endorses our green building initiatives, whilst also assisting clients to achieve the coveted LEED certification. Our expansion plans include exporting to regional countries in the near future.

Additionally, their digital accessibility will make it easier for customers to reach them, helping Globe Glass further their goals of being on hand to offer consultation, assistance and provide excellent quality after sales service to their customers.

“As the only Sri Lankan glass industry producers to achieve ISO certification, our goal is to continue to deliver the highest quality glass and the highest quality service,” Nawaz further noted.

Globe Glass has expanded through an island wide distribution network, built upon the core strengths of strong customer service, product and technical expertise and a focused understanding of the industry trends prevalent in Sri Lanka and internationally. With the capabilities to deliver on everything from tempered glass curtain walls to shop facades and domestic glass requirements, Globe Glass is tipped to drive the local industry by staying ahead of global trends and providing the best international and local quality glass for every conceivable requirement.

Pix by Shehan Gunasekara