Vitro inaugurated its new architectural glass coating oven, Coater 8, located at its Mexicali plant, Baja California, Mexico, the most sophisticated of its kind in North America.
With an investment of approximately USD 60 million, Coater 8 adds to Vitro a production capacity of more than 6 million square metres of coated glass, characterized by coatings with nanotechnology, useful for controlling solar radiation and improving thermal insulation. These capabilities are increasingly in demand in the architectural and automotive industries, among others.
This increase in the production capacity of the Vitro Architectural Glass business unit resulted in a 20 percent increase in direct job creation at the Mexicali plant, which, in addition to providing greater opportunities for economic and professional development for the community, will help stimulate the economic activity in the region and the state of Baja California.
“This new investment in infrastructure propels Vitro toward its goal of continued growth and consolidation as one of the leading global glass manufacturers while reinforcing our commitment to combating climate change,” said Adrián Sada Cueva, CEO of Vitro. “Vitro offers increasingly eco-efficient products that contribute to reducing greenhouse gases, helping minimize the demand for air conditioning and artificial lighting in buildings and the production of auto-mobiles with high-performance coatings for reduced fuel consumption.”
Coater 8 includes the production of glass with Solarban™ nanotechnology coatings, which can reduce solar heat gain in homes and buildings by up to 75 percent, insulating the interior up to 6 times more effectively than standard glass. With this new oven, Vitro will be able to produce jumbo-sized layered glass (up to 3.30 by 6.10 metres), which is highly sought after in the regional market for constructing buildings that aim to control heat and preserve air conditioning more effectively, for vehicles with glass that enable improved fuel efficiency and comfort, and white goods that better insulate food and beverages, among other applications.
Representatives from all levels of government attended the inauguration event, including customers, executives, and members of Vitro’s board of directors.