The AGC Float Glass plant in Church Hill, Tenn. experienced a leak that was contained correctly
A recent leak at the AGC Float Glass plant in Tennessee was, says the company, dealt with in the best way possible, with only one ‘very minor’ injury.
A leak occurred at the AGC Float Glass plant in Church Hill, Tenn., 5 February when workers were bringing the number two float line down for a rebuild as part of the plant’s USD 40.6 million expansion.
The glass leaked into the designated leak area for such occurrences.
Local firefighters were called to the scene to make sure the leak was contained properly.
According to Tom Segelhorst, AGC human resources manager, one person had a very minor ‘first aid’ injury.
“We didn’t expect the leak but we were prepared and the incident was handled how it was supposed to be handled,” says Segelhorst.
Gary Murrell, director of Hawkins County EMS, spoke to the Kingsport Times-News about the incident.
“There was several hundred tons of molten glass on fire in the furnace. The fire departments had to keep the containment walls cool where this furnace was located, and we had to spray it with water for several hours, or it was going to be detrimental to the plant. Something that hot can do a lot of damage,” he said.
AGC plans to add more than 100,000 additional square-feet of manufacturing space to its existing facility in Hawkins County. The expansion is expected to bring 85 new jobs to the plant.