Guardian celebrates new Russian float glass plant

Ryazan Governor Oleg Ivanovich Kovalev, former Governor Georgy Shpak and Mayor Oleg Vladimirovich Shishov joined more than 350 guests for the event. The Ryazan plant produces 750 metric tons of float glass per day. Float glass is the highest quality glass being manufactured today in large quantities. The Guardian plant targets its production toward residential and commercial construction.

The plant also features a technologically advanced coating machine, which enables the manufacture of a variety of world-class, high-performance coated glass products specifically designed to meet the needs of Guardian’s Russian customers, and those of neighboring countries.  Russia has been extremely active in recent years in the use of highly energy efficient building materials including insulation and windows. Guardian’s coated glass products are key components to meeting the country’s energy efficiency standards, helping its customers add value for both homeowners and commercial buildings.

Guardian’s investment in Russia is a natural progression following investments in Central and Eastern Europe. It is also the first step in plans for continued growth in the country. “Ryazan is Guardian’s initial entry into the region,” said Russ Ebeid, chairman of the board and president of Guardian’s Glass Group. “The decision to build in Ryazan fits with our global strategy and our marketing considerations. We are so confident in the opportunities in Russian that we are already in the very early days of planning a second float glass plant in Rostov in Southeast Russia.” Guardian also maintains facilities in Oroshaza, Hungary; Thalheim, Germany; and Czestochowa, Poland, among other European locations.

“First we had to understand the business and governmental circumstances that are unique in Russia. We are grateful to have received outstanding support from Ryazan’s government officials in doing just that,” said Lajos Sapi, Guardian group vice president for Central and Eastern Europe. “It is you and your administrations that have helped us become a part of the local community.”

He added that, “The number of residential units in Russia is lower than the European average therefore a promising amount of new home construction has started. We expect it to grow in the coming years. In addition, we can count on the modernization of existing homes in terms of comfort and energy savings.  Our plant in Ryazan, with the latest float glass production technology and our wide variety of coatings, can supply quality products on time over the long term. We are looking forward to a great future in Ryazan and Russia.”

About Guardian Industries Corp.:

Guardian is a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with leading positions in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive markets. Through its Science & Technology Center, Guardian is at the forefront of innovation, including development of high-performance glass coatings and other advanced products. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 18,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Visit www.guardian.com.