Float glass production line in France closes due to energy crisis

The management of AGC Glass France has informed the staff of the Boussois Industrial Unit of its intention to close the B2 float line, which has been in operation for over 21 years, while assuring the will to maintain the site within the Group. 

This line closure is a direct consequence of the current energy crisis.

The plant specialises in the production of flat glass for the building industry and employs 135 people. It operates in a market affected by overcapacity in Europe and, for some months now, by the very strong pressure on prices resulting from the inevitable impact of the energy surcharge. The intention to close the B2 line is with the aim to preserve AGC's flat glass activities in Europe.

Located in the North of France, this site includes two Float Line Units. Shut down in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, the B1 line - known as oxy-combustion - offers a certain potential that would allow it to contribute to AGC's production process decarbonisation objectives by 2030, should the market require it.

It is for this reason that it will be proposed to the Trade Unions and consequently to part of the Staff to implement, along with the Employment Safeguard Plan, various social measures allowing, beyond the maintenance of the industrial installations, to preserve a set of adequate skills.

As far as the social aspect is concerned, AGC will propose and discuss a support plan with the company's staff representatives, while complying with the legal and contractual provisions that apply to such a line closure.