Guardian Industries Corp. to Build Float Glass Plant in Russia

Guardian Industries Corp. has confirmed that it will build a new $200 million (US) float and coated glass manufacturing facility in Ryazan, Russia, southeast of Moscow.

Plans call for a 750-ton per day float glass plant that includes a technologically advanced glass coater. The Ryazan plant will target its production toward residential and commercial construction markets. Preliminary site clearing activities have begun. The plant is expected to create 300 new jobs.

"We have received outstanding support from Ryazan Governor Shpak, Mayor Provotorov and their administrations," said Russ Ebeid, president of Guardian's glass group. "We're looking forward to a great future in Russia."

Guardian believes investment in Russia is a natural progression following investments in Central and Eastern Europe. Guardian, one of the earliest investors in Central Europe prior to the break up of the Soviet Union, maintains facilities in Oroshaza, Hungary; Thalheim, Germany; and Czestochowa, Poland. "This is the right time for Guardian to move into this growing region," said James Moore, managing director of Guardian's European operations. "The decision to build in Ryazan fits with our global strategy and our marketing considerations."

"We are pleased that such a technologically advanced company as Guardian Industries has chosen Ryazan for its glassmaking complex," said Governor Shpak. "We have worked hard to make Ryazan attractive to investors and our efforts are proving successful."

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