Mexican President Vicente Fox officially inaugurated Guardian Industries' 24th float plant yesterday in El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico. Mark LaCasse, managing director of Guardian's Latin American operations, and Querétaro's Governor Francisco Garrido accompanied President Fox during his tour of Guardian's new plant.

"We are honored that President Fox and Governor Garrido could join us," said Russ Ebeid, president of Guardian's glass group. "Their presence underlies the significance of Guardian's investment in Mexico." Ebeid also thanked Mexican Secretary of the Economy Fernando Canales and the mayor of El Marqués, José Gómez Güemez, for their assistance in the construction and launch of the plant.

Construction of the $120 million manufacturing facility began in late July of 2003 and was completed a year later when the first ribbon of glass was pulled in August 2004. The facility employees approximately 300 people and produces about 650 tons of glass daily. Guardian says the plant will also generate as many as 1,000 more jobs in related supplier and logistics industries.