AFG to Cease Production at Cinnaminson Float Plant

Brad Kitterman, president and chief executive officer of AFG, has announced the company will stop production at its Cinnaminson, N.J., float plant by February 5.

"With the housing market forecast to drop significantly in 2007, we felt we had no alternative other than reducing our capacity for thin, clear commodity glass," said Kitterman. "This will allow us to continue full production at our other plants."

He continued by saying, "Since residential glass sales represent a high percentage of glass demand in North America, any drop in housing starts drives down capacity utilization, and adversely effects our industry. The forecasted decline in automotive sales also tends to push more glass to the architectural markets. Stopping operations at Cinnaminson will improve industry capacity utilization and allow us to serve valued customers from other plants."

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Kelly Busch, vice president, manufacturing, has met with all Cinnaminson plant employees to explain the situation and their future options. According to Fred Wallin, vice president of marketing, employees that are not moved to another AFG operation will be provided a complete separation package.

Marc Massa, vice president, sales, added, "I have sent letters to all of our effected customers. AFG has a plan in place to meet their needs, which will be implemented over the next 60 days. We are confident that our customers will continue to enjoy the same level of quality and service we are noted for in the industry."