Saint-Gobain has opened a fifth float glass production line in India, located at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai. This state-of-the-art facility was built within the Saint-Gobain World Glass Complex, a 70 hectare industrial site that already includes two floats, two coaters, advanced glass processing units for the construction industry, fire safety and the automotive industry (Sekurit), as well as a mirror line. In particular, the line manufactures clear, tinted and solar control reflective glass and primarily serves domestic demand, which is growing at a rate of 8% per annum.

To meet the group’s environmental commitments, the float line is equipped with a high technology furnace that reduces energy consumption by 15% and CO2 emissions by 13% compared to the latest generations of furnaces installed. It also features a tank for harvesting rainwater, which is partly used in the industrial process. Finally, photovoltaic panels are being installed on the plant roof to generate 3.5MW power.

This project represents a €115 million investment and complements Saint-Gobain’s industrial glass facilities in India, which also include a float in Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) and another in Jhagadia (Gujarat). Thanks to this regional network of manufacturing plants, Saint-Gobain is strengthening its position in the country and continues its development strategy in highgrowth regions.