Glaverbel has therefore decided to reduce its float glass production capacity by putting its Tiel float plant in the Netherlands on standby for a period of three months. This will have the effect of withdrawing 35,000 tonnes of glass from the market as of the end of April. The Tiel float glass furnace produces clear glass destined mainly for the construction industry, which is experiencing difficulties both in the Netherlands and in Germany.
The capacity reduction comes on top of the cutback already announced, equivalent to the annual output of one float plant. This initial cutback is being achieved by reducing the pull of the float furnaces, and by bringing forward the repair operations or extending the repair periods for certain production facilities.
Glaverbel is able to adapt its glass output to the level of demand, without affecting supplies to the automotive market or specialised industrial applications, thanks to the flexible management of its capacity made possible by having a suite of 15 production plants in Europe.
Glaverbel brings its production capacity into line with demand
Although the forecast by the European Group of Flat Glass Producers was for growth of 1% in 2002 (a figure which had already been revised downwards), demand for clear glass on the European construction markets is contracting, with resulting pressure on prices.