Oman: Majan Glass to modernise its plant

MUSCAT -- Majan Glass posted a pre-tax profit of RO 1.124 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011, compared with pre-tax earnings of RO 1.714 million during the same period last year.

Output from the Sohar-based company declined to 29,048 metric tonnes this year, from 33,735 metric tonnes during the same period last year. The company sold 29,160 MT of glass containers valued at RO 4.603 million this year, as against sales of 35,135 MT valued at RO 5.317 million during the corresponding period last year.

"Production during the first six months of the year 2011 is lower as compared to the corresponding period of the previous year due to more labour turnover and lack of adequate skilled and semi-skilled replacements, and the scenario that prevailed in Sohar during February to April 2011, frequent job changes and varied product mix based on customer and market requirements," said Anwar Ali Sultan, Chairman, in the Directors' Report of the company half-yearly performance. "Due to the Ministry's ruling not to use any trailers other than trailers having Omani number plates, the freight cost has shot up drastically with a very limited number of trailers available in the market, thereby affecting our margins," he added.

Significantly, the company is in the process of installing a new 8-section triple gob AIS machine based on NNPB technology in place of an existing 8-section double gob IS machine based on B&B technology). Orders for the equipment have already been placed.