Guardian Glass has announced significant investment in its float glass production plant in Goole, East Yorkshire. The move aims to increase the company’s ability to supply float glass, primarily to the UK and Ireland, while also improving the plant’s energy efficiency.
The cold tank repair, which began in April and will be completed this month, will rebuild the furnace with one of the most advanced technologies available, and expand the melting capacity by 20% to 825 metric tons per day. “Guardian Glass is investing in the future of commercial and residential building in the UK and Ireland,” said Guus Boekhoudt, the business’ executive vice president.
“This work assures that Guardian can continue to support the evolving demands of our customers with greater capacity, efficiency and environmental stewardship. It also underscores our vision to be a preferred partner to our customers, suppliers, employees and communities based on a foundation of mutual benefit.
“As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of float, coated and fabricated glass products, and the only UK glass manufacturer with building products achieving the bronze Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Standard version 3.1, Guardian is committed to our stewardship framework. This core principle ensures that we consider environmental, social and corporate governance priorities in our day-to-day operations, as we strive to find more efficient uses of resources, continuously improve our products and services and strengthen partnerships with our local communities around the world.”
The Goole facility produces a wide range of float, coated and laminated glass products. Almost 100% of the solar control glass produced at the facility supplies projects within the UK.
Enhancements to the Goole facility include:
- A furnace with improved energy efficiency and increased output;
- Enhanced automation, to provide more reliable operations and reduce manual tasks; and
- An ongoing initiative to recycle cullet. Increasing the cullet ratio in products cuts energy consumption, reduces raw materials and reduces waste.
“Operations transformation improves efficiency and effectiveness, which boosts productivity and gives Guardian Glass a competitive advantage,” explained Chris Duguid, the Goole plant’s manager. “These changes are critical to demonstrate to our partners that we value them and will continue to support them with industry-leading products and services. We’re very proud of the team’s execution, especially during this challenging time.”
