In 1940, Albert Serhan Shehfe, having left Lebanon to seek new opportunities in Egypt, started an Animal Glue factory in Alexandria in partnership with an Italian and Greek businessman. Until the 60’s, Star Glue Works was one of three factories in Egypt run by foreigners. Due to President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s nationalization spree, many foreigners fled Egypt including Albert’s partners, making Albert Shehfe the sole proprietor of Star Glue Works. In 1976, Albert’s eldest son Mounir joined the family business and was joined by his brother Nadim in 1979.