The Business Year

Fariz Muradov

AZERBAIJAN - Industry

Crystal Clear

Director, Inter Glass

Bio

Fariz Muradov was born in 1967. He graduated from the University of Construction and Civil Engineering and specialized in industrial and civil engineering. Later, he went on to study at the Aviation Academy and focused on the organization of air transportation. He has been Director of Inter Glass since 2004.

TBY talks to Fariz Muradov, Director of Inter Glass, on production volumes, new lines, and export destinations.

How many types of glass are manufactured by Inter Glass, and what products are currently in the greatest demand?

To date, Inter Glass has produced more than 80 types of glass products. Due to the expansion of the consumer market, we primarily plan to improve the quality and then broaden the assortment of our products. These products are primarily intended for canned food, cool drinks, alcoholic beverages, and juices as these enjoy the greatest demand. As the manufacturing sector has taken off, it is important that we continue to innovate, expand, and look for new products in order to keep our competitive edge not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the region.

In 2014, you declared plans to double the volume of production. How far have you managed to move in this direction?

Currently, intensive work is under way on the construction of a second production line. All processing equipment delivered from Europe is already on our premises. After construction is completed, we will embark on the installation of processing equipment. We plan to commission the second production line by the end of 2015. Considering that we are planning to increase the assortment of products that we produce, increasing the company’s capacity is a logical step. We wish to keep moving our company forward and this is an important stage of our evolution.

Expansion of production may imply an increase in the number of employees. How would you rate your current staff in terms of its qualification, education, and training?

Indeed, the expansion of production capacity has paved the way for an increase in the number of employees, which has in turn paved the way for the greater diversity of our workforce. I consider the qualification of our personnel quite satisfactory now. High standards are a necessity in every element of Inter Glass’s operations, and this applies to our employees as well. We ensure that our employees not only work efficiently and safely, but also that they develop their professionalism and their careers while working with Inter Glass.

In terms of both production and geographical location, what is the potential for the expansion and development of your business?

Our goal is to fully meet the needs of the country for quality glass containers. At present, the products of Inter Glass are sold on the local market to such companies as Gilan Holding, Azgranata, Tovuz-Baltiya, Aqroazerinvest, Aznar, MVF, Bilasuvar Agro, and Slavyanka. Azerbaijan is at an exciting stage in that many manufacturers in the industrial sector are meeting the demands of the local market. In the future, there is an exciting possibility that, due to our experience in this industry, we will be able to expand into new markets.

What opportunities can the First European Games provide for Inter Glass?

Everyone in Azerbaijan is excited about the First European Games, which is reflected throughout the country as the event approaches. For the business and industry community, it is an important event as it puts the whole country in the spotlight. Visitors will not only be looking to see how successful the event is, but also what other opportunities there are, and whether they should return again. It is up to us to ensure that those who come to Azerbaijan understand the potential for investment and the diversity of the people.

How significant are Inter Glass’s current partnerships with local and international corporations?

We also export our products to such Georgian businesses as Borjomi, Zedazeni (sparkling cool drinks), and Sarajishvili (alcoholic beverages). Inter Glass is now a renowned organization in Azerbaijan, and we are proud to have entered the Georgian market. In the coming years, we will continue to cooperate both domestically and internationally, and ensure that our product and service is of the highest quality.

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