Asahi Glass Co. said it will set up a joint venture in Saudi Arabia to produce solar control glass. It is the first Middle East base for the Japanese company.

The joint venture is scheduled to start operations in early 2016, expecting to take advantage of rising demand for architectural glass in the region. The joint venture will be equally owned by AGC Glass Europe, a unit of Asahi Glass, and Obeikan Glass Co. The process line for temperable solar control glass coating will be built in Yanbu, where Obeikan already operates.