At 10:18 AM local time on August 19, 2024, in Tanzania, Twyford successfully ignited its 600-ton/day (220,000-ton annual capacity) glass production line.

 

 

Twyford International and Sunda Group jointly held a production start and ignition ceremony. The main leaders of both parties and representatives of cooperative units attended the ceremony. They included Guo Huaiming (General Manager) of Sunda Hardware & General Merchandise, Yu Shankai (General Manager), Zhong Ping (Deputy General Manager), Yan Junyang (Factory Director), Tian Ruiping (Chief Engineer) from the Glass Factory, Tang Junting (General Manager), Fu Wei (Factory Director) of the Ceramics Factory, Xie Benlong (Project Manager), Yang Yongyuan (Deputy General Manager) of the Henan An project of the cooperative unit. Besides, representatives from the production, sales and functional teams, contractors, foreign employees, and 10 local media organizations were also present.）

 

 

 

Ceremony Preparations

 

General Manager Zhong Ping stated in his speech that the commissioning of the glass factory marks the company’s successful expansion of product categories and represents a major milestone in broadening its business footprint. He pledged that the factory will rely on stringent quality control and end-to-end inspection to supply high-quality float glass to markets in East Africa, Southern Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. As an industry pioneer with over 20 years of experience in Africa, Twyford International adheres to a "customer-first" philosophy, delivering cost-effective products to developing countries and contributing to improved living standards for households worldwide.）

 

 

Mr. Zhong Ping’s Address

 

Subsequently, Attendees including executives, contractors, production teams, and local staff then participated in the traditional incense and worship rites）

 

 

Mr. Guo Huaiming, Mr. Tang Junting, Mr. Tan Shengwei, and Mr. Fu Wei Conduct Ceremonial Rituals

 

 

Mr. Yu Shankai and Mr. Yan Junyang Lead Incense Offering for Ignition Ceremony

 

 

Contractor Project Manager Xie Benlong and Yang Yongyuan Conduct Ceremonial Wine Libation

 

The torch relay ceremony officially commenced. The sacred flame, taken from the kiln of Twyford Tanzania Ceramics Plant, was solemnly passed by Plant General Manager Tang Junting and Factory Director Fu Wei to Hardware Business Division General Manager Guo Huaiming and Tanzania Trade Representative Tan Shengwei, before finally being handed over to Glass Plant General Manager Yu Shankai and Factory Director Yan Junyang.This sacred passing of the flame not only embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Twyford’s pioneers in exploring the African market but also signifies that Twyford will continue to write a glorious chapter of "Made in China" across the vast lands of Africa.）

 

 

Mr. Tang Junting Ignites the Ceremonial Torch

 

 

Mr. Guo Huaiming Passes the Torch

 

Finally, amid the watchful eyes of the crowd, the sacred flame was passed to the core area of the kiln head. The six ignition specialists—Guo Huaiming, Yu Shankai, Tang Junting, Tan Shengwei, Zhong Ping, and Yan Junyang—simultaneously pressed their torches to the burner at the base of the furnace. At this awe-inspiring moment of ignition, Tanzania’s first modern glass factory officially commenced operations!）

 

 

Mr. Tang Junting and Mr. Tan Shengwei Ignite the Kiln Burners

 

 

Mr. Guo Huaiming and Mr. Zhong Ping Activate the Kiln Ignition

 

Amidst resounding applause from the audience, President Guo Huaiming extended his congratulations on the successful ignition of the glass plant, highly commended the dedicated efforts of the project team, production staff, and supplier partners, and expressed his vision for the future, emphasizing that "a time will come to ride the wind and cleave the waves"—with full confidence that Twyford Glass is poised to achieve even greater success!）

 

 

Mr. Guo Huaiming Delivers Closing Remarks

 

 

Group Photo Session

 

After the ignition ceremony, accompanied by Zhong Ping, Deputy General Manager of the glass factory, the delegation of leaders and representatives from ten media outlets visited the production workshop for an in-depth understanding of the float glass manufacturing process and workflow. As the head of the Tanzanian float glass plant, Zhong Ping was interviewed on-site by the media.）

 

 

Mr. Zhong Ping Engages with Media

 

Twyford International Tanzania Float Glass factory marks a significant milestone in the group's "Comprehensive Building Materials" strategy for Africa. The successful commissioning of the plant's Phase I not only fills Tanzania's gap in local production of high-quality glass but also establishes an export-oriented model, with 85% of its products destined for East Africa, Southern Africa, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Moreover, the project achieves 95% local sourcing of raw materials, fostering a complete industrial ecosystem: upstream, it drives growth in mining, transportation, and related service industries, while downstream, it boosts import-export trade, logistics, and glass deep-processing sectors. This initiative will help Tanzania reduce reliance on glass imports, significantly increase foreign exchange reserves, and accelerate industrialization—creating substantial employment opportunities and injecting strong momentum into Tanzania's and East Africa's economic development.）