Guardian Europe Hosts Cornerstone-Laying Ceremony At New Float Glass Plant

The new plant represents an investment of more than £115 million for Guardian.

Guardian Glass Group President Russell Ebeid, Guardian International President Ralph J. Gerson and United Kingdom Minister for Industry, the Regions and Employment Relations Alan Johnson formally laid the cornerstone. The Chairman of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Councilor Mrs. Rowan Blake-James, Member of Parliament Ian Cawsey and the Chairman of Yorkshire Forward Graham Hall, also participated in today’s ceremony.

“With the completion of our float glass line in Goole we will better serve a significant and growing customer base in England,” said Ebeid. “Like our new float glass plant in Poland, this plant incorporates state-of-the-art equipment and high-tech production processes enabling Guardian to continue to bring its customers high quality glass backed by the best customer service.”

“Guardian has chosen one of the U.K.'s fastest growing areas to site this plant,” said Minister Johnson. “The Yorkshire and Humber region is already home to 40 of the world's largest industrial groups and over 1,500 inward investor companies and won this investment against stiff European competition. Guardian will be able to employ a highly skilled and experienced workforce and have excellent access to their construction and automotive industry markets, both here and in Europe.”

Guardian began construction in July and expects to complete the new plant in the latter part of 2003. The plant will run 365 days a year producing some 700 tons of high quality float glass daily for residential and architectural applications. The facility will eventually employ approximately 300 area residents.

Guardian’s newest plant has easy access to road and rail connections and the support of local, regional and national governmental authorities, who helped Guardian navigate the complex process of approvals and permits.

Guardian has a 22-year history of successful European business operations. The company recently launched a float glass plant in south central Poland. Guardian provides innovative coatings, high quality float, tempered and laminated glass, mirrors and automotive products. Guardian and its affiliates have 22 float glass lines worldwide.

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, and is one of the world’s largest producer of mirrors. Guardian Automotive provides complete exterior systems to the global automotive industry and is a Tier 1, top-100 global automotive supplier. Guardian’s Building Products Group includes one of the largest manufacturers of fiberglass in the world and occupies a significant and growing position in the building materials distribution business. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 19,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.