Guardian Glass Porto Real, Brazil plant will increase capacity following repair project
Guardian Glass, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of float and value-added glass products and solutions, will begin a major capital project to repair the float glass furnace and expand glass production at its Porto Real, Brazil float glass plant. The project will increase the plant’s production capacity and enhance products and services to support its customers. “This investment reinforces our commitment to create value for our customers and the communities we serve,” says Rick Zoulek, vice president, Americas, Guardian Glass. “The project will expand Guardian’s ability to service customers in Brazil and neighboring countries with high quality glass.” “Guardian first came to Brazil in 1994 when it opened a warehouse in Guarulhos, and we have continued to grow ever since,” adds Ricardo Knecht, general manager, Guardian Glass South America. “This project demonstrates our confidence in Brazil, and it is aligned with our long-term growth strategy. Increasing production capacity will give Guardian Glass a strong competitive advantage in the region.” The Porto Real plant started operations in 1998 and in 2010 added an advanced magnetron sputter coater, allowing production of high performance Guardian Residence and Guardian SunGuard® low-E glass products for commercial and residential applications. The plant services window customers and commercial fabricators throughout Brazil. Guardian Glass also operates a float glass plant in Tatuí, Brazil.