Prince Andrew is the UKs Special Representative for International Trade and Investment and his office supports UK companies trading internationally and encourages foreign inward investment.
Guardians philosophy is to market its glass products through independent fabricators and distributors, Davidson explained in his remarks at the inaugural event. Our new British float glass facility should significantly increase our ability to support our growing customers in this region.
During a tour of the plant, Prince Andrew experienced first-hand the various stages of the float glass production process and met many of the employees who contribute to the safe, efficient operation of this continuous process. After the tour, Davidson and His Royal Highness unveiled a glass plaque commemorating the official opening of the facility.
The British facility, which began production in November of 2003, represents an investment of more than $180 million by Guardian. The plant employs more than 200 people and runs 365 days a year producing about 700 tons of high quality float glass daily for residential and architectural applications.
Guardian Industries Corp., based in Auburn Hills, Mich., is a leading worldwide manufacturer of float glass and fabricated glass products for the commercial and residential construction industries. Guardian Automotive provides exterior systems to the global automotive industry and is a Tier 1 global automotive supplier. Guardians Building Products Group, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, includes a substantial fiberglass insulation manufacturing operation and occupies a significant and growing position in the building materials distribution business with more than 100 strategically located distribution centers and brokerage offices in the United States and Canada. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 19,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Guardian Welcomes Royals To Launch Of Float Glass Plant In England
Guardian Industries Corp., a worldwide manufacturer of float glass and fabricated glass products, officially inaugurated its float glass facility in Goole, England, yesterday. (EDITORS NOTE - Float glass is made by floating melted glass on a bed of molten tin, which produces superior quality flat glass for the construction and automotive industries.)William Davidson, Guardian president and CEO, welcomed His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, Prince Andrew, as well as a significant group of Guardian customers and suppliers to the state-of-the-art glass manufacturing facility.