AGC Glass Europe’s Technovation Centre, which was inaugurated by His Majesty the King of the Belgians, on 5 November in Gosselies (Charleroi region), brings together some 250 researchers, technicians and engineers in brand-new premises focused on improving the glassmaking processes and developing new glass products for the construction and automotive industries.
The AGC Technovation Centre serving AGC Glass Europe was inaugurated by His Majesty the King of the Belgians, on 5 November in Gosselies (Charleroi region) in the presence of personalities from the worlds of business, politics, academia and the press. The AGC Technovation Centre brings together some 250 researchers, technicians and engineers in brand-new premises focused on improving the glassmaking processes and developing new glass products for the construction and automotive industries.
The personnel can now benefit from advanced facilities where the different areas (offices, laboratories and semi-industrial pilot lines) are designed to promote communication between and within the various teams on the site. As well as being close to the group’s production units, the new site is located in the middle of a technology park (Gosselies Aéropôle), thus benefiting from a network of industries, laboratories and universities conducive to attracting international researchers and developing synergies associated with open innovation. Designed as a technological showcase for R&D achievements, the AGC Technovation Centre is destined to become the worldwide centre of excellence in architectural glass for the AGC group. “This facility will promote the emergence of new glass solutions for our customers while speeding up their development time, thus giving our research even greater impact,” concluded Jean-François Heris, President and CEO of AGC Glass Europe.
Representing an investment of around EUR 30 million, of which 8.9 million financed by the Walloon Region, the AGC Technovation Centre was designed by Assar Architects.
Based in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium), AGC Glass Europe produces, processes and markets flat glass for the construction industry (external glazing and interior decoration), car manufacture and solar power applications. It is the European branch of AGC, the world’s leading producer of flat glass. It has over 100 sites throughout Europe, and employs around 14,500 employees.