Saint-Gobain’s integrated window line is expected to be operational by the end of 2022

Business

French glass and building materials major Saint-Gobain has announced the inauguration of an integrated UPVC window line at Sriperumbudur, along with an expansion program involving an investment of more than £500m.

“The integrated window line at the World Glass Complex is the world’s first and Asia’s largest fully integrated facility. It will be operational by the end of the year,” said AR Unnikrishnan, MD, Saint-Gobain India Pvt. ltd glass shop.

Covering an area of ​​10,000m², it will have an annual production capacity of 1 lakh windows by the end of 2022. It requires an investment of ₹60-70 crore.

Mr. Unnikrishnan also announced the expansion of the company’s third float glass plant by 30% to 600-700 tons per day and the inauguration of Saint-Gobain – SIPCOT Urban Forest to demonstrate the company’s commitment to biodiversity.

The new float glass factory has the potential to provide jobs for more than 200 people. This brings the cumulative investment in the World Glass Complex to more than ₹3,750 crore.

“Today, with five plants, we have more than 50% of India’s production capacity for float glass. Approximately 60% of our float glass investments are located in Tamil Nadu in the World Glass Complex. It also accounts for over 90% of value-added flat glass exports from India,” he said.

Referring to carbon neutrality, he said: “As a group, we are committed to achieving it by 2050 and much earlier in India. Due to the current expansion, we have increased our energy efficiency by 20%. By next year, two-thirds of Saint-Gobain’s electricity needs will be met by renewable energy.”

Asked about the performance of the glass business, he said the industry has seen overall growth of 5-7% in recent years. “It should grow between 8% and 10% this year unless there are major headwinds from the war. We would grow faster than the market at 15-20%,” he said.

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