Saint-Gobain recently opened three world-class facilities to meet the growing demand of the glass markets, both domestic and international. Each of these facilities was dedicated to the nation by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr. Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Set up at an investment of over Rs. 1,200 crores, this takes the cumulative investment at the world glass complex of the company at Sriperumbudur to more than Rs. 3,000 crores.
Said Mr. Pierre-André de CHALENDAR, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, France, on the occasion: “As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is an important market and investment destination for Saint-Gobain. Over the past two decades, we have consistently invested in developing new markets, in building new world-class manufacturing facilities, in technology and in human capital. We are an innovation-driven company, and our investment in Saint-Gobain Research India is aimed at developing innovative solutions not only for markets such as India, but also for the world. And India has consistently encouraged and supported us – our products are well accepted; our businesses have leadership positions; and the Brand recall of Saint-Gobain in India is as good as that in France. Indeed, we are as much an Indian company as we are French.”
“India is amongst the best performing regions for Saint-Gobain and it has been our constant endeavor to develop the markets in India by bringing the best technologies and building world-class manufacturing facilities, in line with the Government’s ‘Make in India’ mission. Over the years, we have made significant investments across all our businesses – Glass for buildings and for automotive, Gypsum Plasterboard and Plasters, Abrasives, Ceramic Materials, Performance Plastics and so on. Since our entry into India in 1996, we have invested about Rs. 7,500 crores”, said Mr. Anand Y. Mahajan, Chairman, Saint-Gobain India Private Ltd.
In line with Saint-Gobain’s commitment to sustainable development, the facility will incorporate several innovations contributing to sustainability. The energy efficiency measures on the float-line make it one of the most efficient furnaces of Saint-Gobain and will be a benchmark for glass manufacturing facilities worldwide.
In his address, Mr. B. Santhanam, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India Pvt. Ltd., observed: “We strongly believe in India’s future and have consistently invested ahead of time in Capacity, Capability, Technology and Innovation. The World Glass Complex at Sriperumbudur, Saint-Gobain’s largest investment in a single location worldwide, is set to welcome the largest and most advanced glass manufacturing plant in India along with advanced magnetron coater and glass solutions line. This new expansion will accelerate Saint-Gobain’s momentum in realizing the Vision of being the Clear Choice for Glass Solutions in India and the adjoining region.”
Earlier, addressing a press conference, Mr. Santhanam said that, out of the overall revenue of the company in India, 20% comes from the automotive sector. Almost all the leading automobile OEMs including Ashok Leyland, Tata, Mahindra, Eicher, Force Motors, Bajaj, Piaggio, Toyoto, Nissan, Ford and Hyundai are the esteemed customers of Saint-Gobain glass. The company is gradually expanding its production capacity to meet the growing demand for automotive glass.