3 June 1999: US-based Southwall Technologies Inc. announced it will be signing a US$ 30-35 million supply contract with Sekurit Saint-Gobain, one of the world“s largest automotive glass suppliers.
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3 June 1999: US-based Southwall Technologies Inc. announced it will be signing a US$ 30-35 million supply contract with Sekurit Saint-Gobain, one of the world“s largest automotive glass suppliers. The contract covers the years 2000 and 2001. Southwall, to meet the significant demand for XIR(R) film, is building a new manufacturing facility in Groessroehrsdorf (Dresden), Germany. According to the company, Southwall“s patented Heat Mirror XIR(R) solar control film is the key interlayer component in Saint-Gobain“s high performance solar control glass. Major German and French car makers, such as Audi, Renault, Mercedes, BMW and VW, are incorporating glass with XIR(R) film, it said. XIR(R) film is laminated in the windscreen, and in some cases on the side and rear glass, by Saint-Gobain before the glass is delivered to the auto company. “This contract effectively establishes Saint-Gobain as a leading European supplier of automotive solar control glass,” said Southwall“s president and CEO, Thomas G. Hood. “Both companies believe that the market potential for this product is significant. The popularity of clear XIR(R) glass results from its excellent performance, and the trend towards clear solar control glass technology in vehicles is gaining rapid momentum.” Southwall Technologies Inc. designs and produces thin film coatings that selectively absorb, reflect or transmit certain types of electromagnetic radiation. Southwall products are sold into the architectural, automotive and electronics.