Guardian Industries recently announced that its float glass plant in Floreffe, Pennsylvania will close in 2015, and production will be moved to its plant in Carleton, Michigan. According to a company statement, Guardian is working with unions to develop a mutually-agreeable plan to help employees during the time of transition.
Guardian Industries Corp. is reportedly to close its Floreffe, Pennsylvania, float glass plant in 2015. The plant currently produces dark tinted privacy float glass (PrivaGuard and MidnightGray II) for automotive and commercial applications. This type of production, according to the company, will be moved to its float glass plant in Carleton, Michigan. The Floreffe plant has about 140 employees.
“Guardian continuously reviews its manufacturing operations to ensure they are positioned for sustainable, long-term growth and to create value for our customers,” says Kevin Baird, president of Guardian Flat Glass. “We want to reinforce our commitment to the transportation segment. The company has determined it can best serve its customer base for privacy glass products from its Carleton plant.”
“We recognize the impact this will have on our valued employees, and we appreciate the contributions they have made to the plant,” says Baird. “We are committed to support and assist them throughout the process.”
“Guardian is working with Floreffe’s Union leadership to develop a mutually-agreeable plan to help employees during the time of transition,” according to a company statement.
“Carleton’s production of privacy glass will provide customers a single source for a wider range of products and technical services and the flexibility to receive mixed loads,” according to officials.
“The facility has access to major transportation hubs to provide efficient export services. It currently produces a full product line of green tints for the automotive segment, as well as float and coated glass products for commercial, residential and other applications.”
Privacy glass will be produced at both facilities during a transition period in the middle of 2015 “to ensure uninterrupted supply.”
“Customers will not be adversely affected by this transfer,” officials note in a company statement.