To support the increasing demand for float, coated and laminated glass in Europe, Guardian Glass is investing in the modernization and upgrade of float glass lines at two of its European production plants.

According to a company announcement, the float glass production line in Goole, UK, will be upgraded and modernized as the existing furnace nears the end of its life cycle. The upgrade is expected to be performed in the beginning of 2021.

The new float glass furnace is planned to have a nominal melting capacity of 825 metric tonnes per day – an increase of 20% compared to the existing furnace. Due to an optimized design, the furnace energy efficiency as well as the environmental performance of the new line are expected to improve on a per tonne basis.

The new float glass line in Goole will continue to service customers in the UK and Ireland, providing a wide range of float, coated and laminated glass products.

Guardian Glass is also investing in its production plant in Oroshaza, Hungary. The existing float glass furnace will be repaired in the second half of 2020. This project, together with the two existing Guardian Glass production plants in Częstochowa, Poland – one float glass line was recently repaired and upgraded and a second one is currently under construction – will ensure that the company continues to support the increased demand for float, coated and laminated glass products for customers in Eastern Europe, according to the announcement.

Guus Boekhoudt, vice president of Guardian Glass Europe, Russia and Asia and managing director, Guardian Europe commented, “By investing in our production plants in the UK and Hungary, we are demonstrating our commitment to the continuous improvement of our glass products and services for our customers.

Glass demand is continuing to grow in Europe and these investments will ensure the supply to our customers, essential to developing and maintaining our strong partnerships.”