French-based Saint-Gobain has recently inaugurated a new float glass furnace in Pisa, Italy. According to the company, the furnace, which required an investment of more than L 60 billion (approx. US$ …
French-based Saint-Gobain has recently inaugurated a new float glass furnace in Pisa, Italy. According to the company, the furnace, which required an investment of more than L 60 billion (approx. US$ 37 million), is considered to be the most technologically advanced float in the world. Saint-Gobain explains that the furnace is 500 metres long and has a melting surface of 350 sq. m. and, with a capacity of over 600 tpd, will produce glass sheets up until around the year 2005. The company points out that the complex in Pisa has always been at the cutting edge for technology applied by the Saint-Gobain Group. In fact, it is here that in 1965 continental Europe“s first float plant was installed. In Italy, Saint-Gobain has a controlling interest in 9 companies, with 4,800 employees and sales of over L 1,300 billion (approx. US$ 802.5 million). Throughout the world the Group controls 292 companies, and employs more than 80,000 people, with a turnover of FFr 74.5 billion (approx. US$ 15 billion). In Europe one automobile out of two mounts Saint-Gobain glass. In the US one out of every three houses is insulated with Saint-Gobain materials. Every year the Group produces 9 billion bottles, vials and vases. The company stresses that the newly opened furnace will ensure consistently high quality glass. Indeed the plant has been conceived to produce glass suited to silvering. Moreover, another special focus of the renewed line will be automotive glass.