Inauguration of Glaverbel Klin, the First Russian Plant Built on a Greenfield Site by a Western Glassmaker

Glaverbel Klin produces float glass, coated superinsulating glass and mirrors.

A unique industrial complex
Glaverbel's new industrial complex at Klin, 105 km to the North-West of Moscow, was inaugurated on Friday, 16 September in the presence of more than 500 people, including representatives of the Russian authorities and the international press. Glaverbel Klin is the first plant ever built in Russia on a greenfield site by a western glassmaker. Its industrial configuration is unique in Russia, comprising a float glass(1) line with a capacity of 180,000 tonnes per year, together with two downstream processing units for producing MNGE(2) mirrors and coated superinsulating glass(3) in large dimensions for the building industry.

Strengthened leadership in Russia
This project, representing an investment of over € 160 million, is intended to meet the increasing demand for glass generated by the sustained growth of the building and car industries in Russia. The location of Klin offers important logistical advantages, as it is near to Moscow and to St. Petersburg, two large centres of glass consumption.
In addition, Glaverbel Klin will reinforce the production capabilities that Glaverbel already has in Russia. Glaverbel CEO Arthur Ulens commented: "Together with the two Bor Glassworks float plants in Nizhny Novgorod and the nationwide processing and distribution network managed by our sales agency Glaverbel Vostok, Glaverbel Klin will strengthen our leadership and boost our image as a pioneer in Russia."
Construction of Glaverbel Klin began in September 2002 and took nearly two years. In the meantime a sustained effort was put into recruiting and training its 280 members of personnel.