Tecnoglass has taken a minority shareholding in Saint-Gobain’s Colombian subsidiary Vidrio Andino, as a result of which the glassmaker will build a new float line to meet growing regional demand.

Tecnoglass is a leading manufacturer of glass windows and facades in the region. The float plant will be located near Barranquilla and will offer a solid manufacturing base for domestic and export markets.

The additional capacity will increase Saint-Gobain’s daily production capacity by 750 tonnes. Initial production is planned for 2021. As part of this partnership, Tecnoglass and Vidrio Andino have signed a long-term procurement contract, stipulating the supply of glass from this float plant. Saint-Gobain already operates one float facility in Colombia, at Soacha, near Bogota.