Guardian Expands Float Glass to Russia

By Tami Faram

In a project that has been three years in the making, Guardian Industries is opening a float glass plant in Ryazan, Russia, outside Moscow. The $200 million investment is expected to yield at least 300 jobs.

"Russia has become a major force in expansion in construction in residential and commercial building," Jim Moore, Guardian managing director of European operations told USGNN today. "The move to Russia is a natural progression in our growth."

Ryazan's Gov. Georgy Shpak and Guardian Glass Ryazan director Yanos Egud have signed an investment agreement for construction of the float glass facility.

The plant will contain a float line and coating operations. It is scheduled to open in the summer of 2008 and the coating will begin in fall 2008, according to Moore.

"We have received extensive local support from Governor Shpak and the local government, their support has really impressed us," says Moore. "In Ryazan, we are one of the biggest investments. We will be a bigger fish in a smaller pond."

Guardian's first glass plant opened in Europe in 1981.

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