CHINA GLASS 2013 NEW DATES

The 24th China Glass(China Glass2013) will take place in China International Exhibition Center(New Venue) in Beijing from 24 to 27 May 2013. China Glass was launched in 1986. Its organizer is Chinese Ceramic Society and its contractor is Beijing Zhonggui Exhibition Co., Ltd.

Source: Chinese Ceramic Society

SUSTAINABLE LAMINATED GLASS PANELS, WITH FLUORESCENT CHROMATIC EFFECTS

They’re made of glass, urethane resin and a patented dichroic polymer, and are entirely recyclable; the resins that have been used are VOC-free. Mainly normal annealed or tempered float glass is used, acrylic or polycarbonate can also be used for the external surface (with optional scratchproof coatings). A laminated layer of transparent resin with a patterned fluorescent backing is then applied, followed by a protective felt support. The maximum size is 122 cm x 305 cm (48 inches x 120 inches) and thicknesses range from 0.63 to 3.8 cm (0.25 to 1.5 inches).

Source: Infobuild

GIMAV AT GLASS SOUTH AMERICA 2012

Italian glass processing technology returns to Brazil. Gimav, the Italian Association of Glass Processing Machinery and Accessory Suppliers, is coordinating the group participation of its members in the flat glass sector at the 10th edition of Glass South America – on the calendar for May 16th to 19th, 2012 in São Paulo.
South America is undoubtedly a valuable market for exports in this sector, as confirmed by Renata Gaffo, Director of Gimav: “Brazil and South America in general show their appreciation of the high quality technologies inherent to our made in Italy products. Exports of Italian flat glass processing machinery to this area are constantly increasing. Of course, Brazil drives the entire area, but Argentina also makes a good showing, and Peru is quickly adding itself to the list”.
Therefore, participation in the show is strategic for Italian businesses. The Gimav group is impressive -- the 16 members on hand at the event will occupy a surface area of about 1,000 sq meters, that will also host the local sister companies of Gimav member firms.
Italy’s glass processing machinery and accessories industry has always held a leadership position on a global level. The machines designed in Italy, known and appreciated around the world, have a competitive edge in the international marketplace, thanks to the winning combination of technological innovation, product quality, and swift technical assistance.
“The South American market is constantly developing, and prospects for the future are excellent. Thanks to their distinctive qualities, Italian-made machinery has earned the trust of industry professionals. This is the reason our hopes for the outcome of the show are more than positive” acknowledges Renata Gaffo.

Source: Gimav

ZIGNAGO VETRO: DETAILS ON FREE INCREASE IN CAPITAL

Zignago Vetro informs that shares deriving from the free increase of its capital following a decision taken at the Extraordinary Meeting on 23 April 2012 will be made available through authorized intermediaries utilizing the centralized Monte Titoli management system on 17 May 2012. As a result of the free increase, the working capital of ZignagoVetro S.p.A. (fully subscribed and paid in) therefore increases from €8,000,000 to €8,800,000, divided into 88,000,000 ordinary shares of the nominal value of Euros 0.100 each.

Source: AGI

BRAZIL: POSSIBILITIES SEEM ESPECIALLY ATTRACTIVE FOR MADE-IN-ITALY PRODUCTS. 2 DAYS TO GO TO GLASS SOUTH AMERICA

Expectations for Glass South America, set to take place from May 16th to 19th in Sao Paulo, are imbued with an entirely justifiable sense of optimism: Gimav’s group stand will provide Italian firms with a platform to showcase their still unparalleled technological leadership, and ample opportunity for success in the future.

The possibilities seem especially attractive for Made-in-Italy products, already much appreciated in the most diverse business sectors, from design to fashion, and from food to machine building. In this latter industry, the interest of Italian firms working in the glass industry is sure to become even more pronounced, considering that growth for 2012, too, is estimated at about 3.3% (but the government is talking about +5%), accompanied by a substantial drop in inflation and robust growth in the demand for homes, both for tourism and for residences.

However, all this does not mean that it’s all plain sailing. On the contrary. There are already major obstacles ahead for the foreign companies planning to launch a business locally, particularly in light of Brazil’s extremely complex fiscal system and its burdensome red tape. First hand confirmation comes from Alessandro Schiatti, Director of Production and Development and Brazil Sales Manager for Schiatti Angelo, manufacturer of glass processing machinery that is quite popular in South America: “We have been successfully exporting to Brazil for several years now, in fact, orders for the first four months of this year are already on a par with the entire year of 2011. But we still are not convinced that it’s worth the effort to build a manufacturing facility locally. Initially, such an investment might seem easy and beneficial, but then the bureaucratic and fiscal issues begin to surface, and often, legal questions, too. Furthermore, the advantage linked to the cost of labor is very limited, because the sweeping economic changes over the last five or six years and the steep rise in the cost of living have significantly reduced the gap between local and European standards”. So, it’s better to focus on the prestige and the considerable technological advantages of Italian-made machines, which more than justify the differences in cost. Here, there are also very steep fiscal penalties, because the import taxes, intended to favor Brazil’s machine building industry (especially in some regions) up the cost of foreign products by as much as 50%, but the enormous potential for growth and easy access to credit help local manufacturers invest in quality.

Source: Newsletter Vitrum

ASSOVETRO INTRODUCES AND PUBLISHES GUIDELINES ON SAFETY GLASS IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY

Assovetro’s Guidelines on “Safety Glass in the Building Industry” were presented to the press in Milan a few days ago. The document was prepared by leading glass companies, Ancitel Energia & Ambiente srl and managers from a number of Italian City Councils.
The Guidelines will provide City Council offices with instructions and useful tools to introduce standards that allow for the implementation of existing standards on safety in the workplace and to promote the use of glass products in compliance with UNI 7697.

Source: PmiServizi

PILKINGTON, 150 REDUNDANCIES ANNOUNCED

Operating profits by the Nippon sheet glass (Nsg) group are falling. As are orders. And Pilkington, the Nsg glass colossus, is no exception. The company spoke of 150 redundancies during a meeting with the trade unions. There’s alarm in the glass company. After the resignation of Nsg CEO Craig Taylor and new investments in Poland, fears are fuelled by the drop in orders caused by car sales grinding to a halt.

Source: Il Centro - Pescara

FENZI AT GLASS SOUTH AMERICA 2012

Fenzi – global leading manufacturer of chemicals for secondary flat glass processing - will showcase its latest products and technologies at the 10th Glass South America Expo.
The foremost glass trade fair in South America, organized by Nürnberg Messe Brasil, is scheduled to be held in San Paulo, Brazil between May 16-19. The expo is a not-to-be-missed occasion for industry professionals to meet and gain an insight into the latest market trends and general business climate of the continent itself. Among other things, Glass South America visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with the Fenzi product line: metal spacers, sophisticated warm edge spacers and polysulphide sealants for IG applications(known as "DVH" Doble Vidriado Hermético in Brasil), decorative glass coatings, and corrosion-preventive mirror paints.
A high-caliber international audience of technicians, engineers and architects will gather in San Paulo to discuss the sectors' latest technological trends and see the new products offered by the numerous exhibitors.
On the forefront of all products showcased by the Group will be the Warm Edge line - sold worldwide by the Glass Alliance network formed by Fenzi, Alu-Pro and Rolltech - which also features Chromatech Ultra, the first hybrid spacer designed by Alu-Pro and introduced to the market in 2009 by Rolltech, its Danish affiliate. Chromatech Ultra is made of stainless steel and special hi-tech plastic compounds that grant this innovative warm edge profile its excellent resistance, high insulation and extremely low thermal transmission properties.
These thermal energy efficient profiles allow manufacturers, designers and installers to satisfy the increasing demand for high performance, energy-efficient IG units which effectively lower both energy consumption costs and carbon emissions.

The Group's latest products showcase will be stand 227, in the Italian Pavilion.

Source: Fenzi SpA

THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE OF WINDOWS, DOORS AND SHUTTERS. 10077-2 REVISED

The UNI EN ISO 10077-2:2012 standard “Thermal performance of windows, doors and shutters- Calculation of thermal transmittance - Part 2: Numerical method for frames” is available at UNI. The standard is the official version of the English language EN ISO 10077-2 (February 2012) which replaces the previous UNI EN ISO 10077-2:2004 published 8 years ago. It provides a training institute, specifies a method and gives reference input data for thermal transmittance calculation of frame profiles and of the linear thermal transmittance of their junction with glazing or opaque panels. The method can also be used to evaluate the thermal resistance of shutter profiles and the thermal characteristics of roller shutter boxes and similar components (e.g. louvers). The standard also gives the criteria for the validation of numerical methods used for the calculation.

Source: www.guidafinestre.it

POSITION PAPER ON THE PROPOSAL FOR AN ENERGY EFFICIENCY DIRECTIVE

‘Glass for Europe welcomes the ambitious approach of the Industry, Transport, Research and Energy committee of the European Parliament which puts energy efficiency of existing buildings at the core of the proposal for an Energy Efficiency Directive. Glass for Europe calls on all EU institutions to support this focus on the deep renovation of buildings by setting up a robust policy framework in the Energy Efficiency Directive.
Key provisions required in the Directive:
„Ï An objective of an 80% reduction in the energy consumption of existing buildings by 2050 through deep renovation must be enshrined.
„Ï National plans for the deep renovation of existing buildings with interim targets for 2020, 2030 and 2040 need to be a requirement stemming from this directive.
„Ï A minimum 3% annual deep renovation targets for buildings owned and occupied by public authorities must be established.
„Ï Energy efficiency funds that will help direct private investments in building renovation must be set up.
„Ï Energy utilities must be required to deliver part of their savings obligations by investing in the deep renovation of buildings.

Source: www.glassforeurope.com/

AL.MA. COMMERCIALE : TECNOSIL IG 1K IS CERTIFIED, HIGH QUALITY AND HAS NEUTRAL CROSS-LINKING

AL.MA. Commerciale, a distributor of products for IG that use silicone technology, presents the Tecnosil IG 1K neutral one-component silicone sealant. A specific sealant, produced under the AL.MA. Commerciale label, by one of the world’s best-known leading producers of glass sealants. Tecnosil IG 1K is certified, has neutral cross-linking and is also guaranteed for gas-filled units. It is available in 600 ml aluminum sausages, 25 kg metal pails, 27 kg plastic pails and 270 kg drums.

Source: Glassonweb

MIT RESEARCHERS FIND A WAY TO MAKE GLASS THAT’S ANTI-FOGGING, SELF-CLEANING AND FREE OF GLARE

One of the most instantly recognizable features of glass is the way it reflects light. But a new way of creating surface textures on glass, developed by researchers at MIT, virtually eliminates reflections, producing glass that is almost unrecognizable because of its absence of glare — and whose surface causes water droplets to bounce right off, like tiny rubber balls.

The new “multifunctional” glass, based on surface nanotextures that produce an array of conical features, is self-cleaning and resists fogging and glare, the researchers say. Ultimately, they hope it can be made using an inexpensive manufacturing process that could be applied to optical devices, the screens of smartphones and televisions, solar panels, car windshields and even windows in buildings.

The technology is described in a paper published in the journal ACS Nano, co-authored by mechanical engineering graduate students Kyoo-Chul Park and Hyungryul Choi, former postdoc Chih-Hao Chang SM ’04, PhD ’08 (now at North Carolina State University), chemical engineering professor Robert Cohen, and mechanical engineering professors Gareth McKinley and George Barbastathis.

Photovoltaic panels, Park explains, can lose as much as 40 percent of their efficiency within six months as dust and dirt accumulate on their surfaces. But a solar panel protected by the new self-cleaning glass, he says, would have much less of a problem. In addition, the panel would be more efficient because more light would be transmitted through its surface, instead of being reflected away — especially when the sun’s rays are inclined at a sharp angle to the panel. At such times, such as early mornings and late afternoons, conventional glass might reflect away more than 50 percent of the light, whereas an anti-reflection surface would reduce the reflection to a negligible level.

While some earlier work has treated solar panels with hydrophobic coatings, the new multifunctional surfaces created by the MIT team are even more effective at repelling water, keeping the panels clean longer, the researchers say. In addition, existing hydrophobic coatings do not prevent reflective losses, giving the new system yet another advantage.

Other applications could include optical devices such as microscopes and cameras to be used in humid environments, where both the antireflective and anti-fogging capabilities could be useful. In touch-screen devices, the glass would not only eliminate reflections, but would also resist contamination by sweat.

Source: http://www.mit.edu/newsoffice...>>

SPAIN - INTERNATIONAL CONSTRUCTION WEEK

278 exhibitors have already confirmed their participation in VETECO, to be held at Feria de Madrid as part of the first International Construction Week organized by IFEMA from May 8 to 11, 2012.
183 of the exhibitors come from different Spanish regions and 95 from other countries, first and foremost Italy with 46 companies, followed by Germany with 13, Portugal with 9, and France with 8.

Source: http://www.ifema.es/web/ferias/veteco/default.html

OAKLEY TESTS TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD RIVAL GOOGLE’S PROJECT GLASS

Oakley Inc. is developing technology that can project information directly onto lenses, putting the sunglass maker into potential competition with Google Inc. (GOOG) The technology would let Oakley, a division of Italy’s Luxottica Group SpA (LUX), make hardware that’s comparable with Google’s Project Glass, an experimental effort to build smartphone features into eyewear, Oakley Chief Executive Officer Colin Baden said in an interview.

Source: http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/

TORONTO DEVELOPER INSTALLS MESH OVER GLASS BALUSTRADES

A prominent developer is installing protective mesh on balconies of some of its downtown condominium buildings over concerns of deficient glass. Residents in three relatively new condominium high-rise buildings in the CityPlace complex near Front Street and Spadina Avenue received letters from Concord Adex earlier this week informing them of plans to install protective mesh on their glass balconies

Source: www.cbc.ca/

PARAGON RELEASES THE TRIFECTA CRUCIBLE FURNACE FOR GLASS BLOWERS

Paragon Industries, the kiln factory in Mesquite, Texas, has released the Trifecta crucible glass furnace. It is designed for glass blowers who make custom glass colors, blown vessels, and neon tubing. It can also cast glass.
The wall-mounted digital temperature controller is connected to the Trifecta with 6’ cables. The Trifecta holds three crucibles. Three 9” holes in the lid each include a firebrick crucible cover. Spring latches hold the lid to the kiln.

Source: http://www.pr.com/press-release/407046

LOVATI. REBUILT CNC MACHINE TYPE LOV 622/10 IS NOW AVAILABLE

The second-hand CNC machine type LOV 622/10 has been completely rebuilt and tested in our factory.
LOV 622/10 is covered by standard warrantee as per new machines.
CNC machine with 3 axis to grind and polish the edge on shaped glasses with internal and external curves, straightline sides, mitred corners and inside shapes.
Holes, pin and screw inserts, internal and external milling and routings can also be performed.


- 8 kw high precision spindle

- 10 position tool crib with automatic selection for tool withdrawal and deposit

- CAD/CAM

- Maximum glass size 2500x1700 mm

- Maximum glass thickness 50 mm

Source: Lovati.....for more information >>

NIPPON SHEET GLASS SHARES TUMBLE AFTER CEO EXITS

TOKYO—Nippon Sheet Glass Co. 5202.TO -2.80%shares closed at their lowest level since the mid-1970s as questions swirled over why Craig Naylor stepped down as chief executive.
A day after resigning, the American executive on Thursday cited "fundamental disagreements" on turnaround strategy at the company. His decision to leave less than two years after taking up the job was "entirely my own," he said in an emailed statement. He declined to elaborate.

Source: http://online.wsj.com

THE GLASS SYSTEMS GROUP HAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A ‘SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION’ AND INVESTMENT AT CLIMATE

A fourth tempering furnace has been ordered and a third Lisec automatic arising line has recently been installed, as well as another auto-cutting table with edge deletion. In addition an extension to one of the existing factories has been necessary to accommodate this new investment.

Source: ggpmag.com/

ENTRY MODEL FOR THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION OF INSULATING GLASS FROM BYSTRONIC GLASS

Bystronic glass has recently launched the comfort’line to the European Market designed for the production of insulating glass. Bernhard Schmitt, Managing Director of Bystronic glass in Neuhausen-Hamberg, Germany states that, "Working with the line is comfortable, quick and precise providing the ideal entry into solution for industrial insulating glass production". He explains "At the same time, the comfort’line allows us to reach out to customers who are searching for an inexpensive opportunity to expand their insulating glass production capacity."
800 gas-filled insulating glass units can be produced in rectangular or shaped formats on the quick line per shift.

Source: Bystronic glass....read more>>

AGC PRESENTS OLED, THE LIGHT SOURCE INSIDE GLASS, AT THE TRIENNALE DI MILANO TODAY

OLED - Luminous Touch Concept is a new light source contained inside glass and was developed by Danny Venlet in concert with AGC.
At its international unveiling at the Perspectives exhibition, one of the events organized by “Belgium is Design” at the Triennale di Milano on 17- 22 April 2012, OLED provides a glimpse into the lighting of the future.
OLED features switch technology. The switch floats in the glass, without any visible connections. By lightly touching the OLED-up switch the glass lights up and can be adjusted to the desired brightness. It has a strong visual and sensorial impact and an infinity of applications that exploit the decorative and functional benefits of the OLED+ AGC glass combination, and is among the most innovative energy-saving technologies and one of the most long-lasting.

Source: Glass in IT style - sonia giuliodori

CORNING TO ACQUIRE MAJORITY OF BD DISCOVERY LABWARE

Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) announced that it has reached a definitive agreement with BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) (NYSE:BDX) to acquire the majority of its Discovery Labware unit for approximately $730 million in cash. The acquisition is expected to be completed later this year, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals.

Source: Corning

FENZI DOMINATES THE CHINA GLASS STAGE

Products from the Glass Alliance international network (that comprises Fenzi, Alu-Pro and Rolltech) received a warm welcome at the trade show that just ended in Shanghai. Glass Alliance markets and distributes IG production systems and all related accessories world-wide. The entire product line was brilliantly showcased in the newly renovated stand. Prominently displayed alongside the range of Duralux mirror backing paints, the first product to be exported and produced by Fenzi in China was Butylver. The top quality performance of this polyisobutylene based primary sealant for insulating glass, the latest addition to the Fenzi China Paints and Sealants Company Limited product line, has already met with the approval of customers. At China Glass the spotlight was also on the Tempver line of ceramic paints, much sought-after across China and all other Asian markets, as well as on Glassolux, the line of cold paints, another best-seller fueled by the ever-growing demand of the Chinese furnishing industry.
Excellent performance in terms of durability, environmental compatibility as well as the extreme ease of use of its products allowed the company to remain at the forefront of the fast growing Asian market scene for several years now. This is a great source of pride for Stefano Pozzi, General Manager of the Group’s Chinese Division, who states: “The potential of our products being clearly appreciated by our Customers is what allowed us to achieve large production volumes; we expect 2012 to be a positive year, also thanks to the policies newly introduced by the Chinese Government to boost national demand in the next few years”. Excellent contacts also underline the importance of the trade show at an international level: “China Glass has become a strategic international event – confirms Alessandro Fenzi, CEO of the Group – We are quite aware of the fact that for those like us, with 85% of sales being generated in 80 different countries, China Glass has always been a fundamental venue for meeting clients from all over the world”.

Source: FENZI SpA

CHANGES IN A BUSINESS LIKE COSTRUZIONI MECCANICHE BESANA

From standard systeems to special machines

Source:

VETROTECH SAINT-GOBAIN SETS UP NEW LINE TO MAKE TRANSPARENT FIRE-RESISTANT GLASS

Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, a unit of Saint-Gobain Glass, will manufacture what it claims is the “world's toughest fire-resistant glass”. A new production line to make Contraflam was set up inside Saint-Gobain's facility at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai.

It was inaugurated by Mr Jean Pierre Floris, President, Innovative Material Sector, Saint-Gobain. This is part of the company's Rs 60-crore total investment plan at the advanced glass solutions facility.
The company said the product was introduced after architects and builders demanded a transparent fire protection material.
Opaque fire protection construction material is now available , but the demand was for a transparent material that also met safety requirements.

Saint-Gobain has two manufacturing facilities — in Sriperumbudur (Tamil Nadu) and Jhagadia (Gujarat). Another facility is coming up in Bhiwadi (in Rajasthan).

Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com

THE EXPERIMENTAL GLASS STATION TAKES A LOOK AT THE EFFECTS OF NIS
INCLUSION IN GLASS FOR SOLAR PANELS.

NiS: a ‘killer’ inclusion

Source:

BOTTERO INNOVATIONS AT CHINAGLASS 2012

TWIN EDGE - the new flat edge double edger

Source:

FENZI GROUP ATTENDS CHINA GLASS WITH THE FULL RANGE OF PRODUCTS THAT TRIUMPHED IN ASIAN INDUSTRY

New targets and production lines in full operation

Source:

ADELIO LATTUADA: FROM STANDARD MODELS TO CUSTOM-MADE MACHINES, THE COMPANY DEMONSTRATES OUTSTANDING TECHNOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY

Highly specialized rectilinear milling machines

Source:

ULTRA HIGH SPEED TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPED BY ADI

The innovative One Shot grinding wheel

Source:

SCHIATTI ANGELO PRESENTS ITS NEW DOUBLE EDGING MACHINES FOR PENCIL AND FLAT EDGES AT CHINAGLASS 2012

An extensive product line and the latest innovations

Source:

CHINA GLASS: A FAIR THAT GROWS WITH THE MARKET

The Shanghai rendezvous proves to be of exceptional international importance, with a large turnout of Italian companies expected.

Source:

INTERMAC EXHIBITS ITS GENIUS CUTTING TABLE AND MASTER WORK CENTER

With ten years experience on the Asian market, the fair provides a unique opportunity for brand consolidation

Source:

FLAT GLASS. TODAYS CHALLENGE: ENSURING THAT COMPANIES ARE STRUCTURALLY PRESENT ON FOREIGN MARKETS

This is the viewpoint of Gimav Honorary President Dino Fenzi, optimistic about ChinaGlass

Source:

HOLLOW GLASS. A SLOW BUT STEADY REVIVAL

Recovery driven by wine, beer and vodka bottle production plants, while plates and cups remain stable.

Source:

WORKSHOP ABOUT LASER MARKING OF PLASTICS, METALS AND GLASS: IS IT BETTER A YAG, FIBER OR CO2 SOURCE?

On the next 12th June, from 9,30 to 16,00, Panasonic organizes a technical workshops about laser marking in the conference room in via del Commercio 3 a Bussolengo (VR).
During the day are planned speeches by Prof. Villoresi, teacher of Optics Nanotechnologies of University of Padua, and Dr. Sergio Mezzetti, consultant about safety for laser systems.
This edition will be focused on the plastic and metal marking. Will be shown the most significant installations in the automotive, packaging, pharmaceutical, photovoltaic sectors.
At the end of the day the laser expert will do some feasibility tests on the samples received from the public to demonstrate the different results using different laser sources CO2 or Fiber.

Source: Panasonic

INTERSOLAR EUROPE CONFERENCE 2012

The four-day program of the Intersolar Europe Conference starts on June 11 and covers both research findings and practical experiences. In addition to the conference committee for photovoltaics and solar thermal technologies, this year sees, for the first time, a committee for PV production technologies led by Dr. Peter Fath, the Technical Director of Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG and Chairman of VDMA Photovoltaic Equipment.

The Intersolar Europe Conference 2012 places particular emphasis on photovoltaic power plants, energy storage devices and the structural changes the energy industry is undergoing. The speakers highlight the most recent technological developments of large PV power plants. Additional topics include managing project development, quality control and financing projects in the current climate of the financial markets. Presentations on power storage introduce various battery technologies and their respective areas of application. A dedicated session focuses on the short-, medium- and long-term storage of electricity, including power-to-gas and hydrogen-based processes. During a panel discussion, attendees have the opportunity to debate the technical applications for decentralized storage systems in comparison with centralized systems.

Source: Intersolar Europe

GLASS PERFOMANCE DAYS SOUTH AMERICA IN MAY 2012

GPD goes South American for the second time 17-18.5.2012 in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Glass South America, again provides the general framework. The lead themes for GPD SAME next May – energy efficiency, profitability, architectural design, advanced glass technology and solar solutions – focus on the key industrial success factors and also reflect the major current topics of the South American glass industry.

Source: GPD

EMHART GLASS AND VETROPACK TO COMMERCIALISE TECHNOLOGY FOR TEMPERING GLASS CONTAINERS

Emhart Glass, a division of Bucher Industries, has invested heavily in developing a new technology for manufacturing tempered packaging glass. The process is going to be commercialised under industrial production conditions in collaboration with Vetropack. This tempering process represents a milestone for stronger and lighter-weight glass containers.

The revolutionary process allows either a significant increase in resistance to breakage or a reduction in the weight of packaging glass. In practice, both these properties will be combined as required. The process is predestined to significantly reduce the weight of returnable bottles, while maintaining the same filling capacity. When tested by dropping onto a hard surface from a height of 1.5 metres, only very few filled bottles break, while conventional ones generally shatter. Tempered glass containers can be recycled like normal packaging glass.

The line for tempering glass containers will be installed at Vetropack’s Pöchlarn glassworks in Austria in late 2012 and subsequently be used in an industrial production process for the first time.

Source: www.feve.org

ESTONIA: US SUMMER SCHOOL ON GLASS STRESS MEASUREMENT

An intensive two-day course containing lectures, equipment demonstrations, practical stress measurements and informal discussions. Organized by Glasstress Ltd, Tallinn, Estonia.

Hosted by Rudolph Instruments Inc., Denville, NJ, US on May 16 – 17, 2012,

Intended Audience Engineers, technologists and scientists from glass industry and glass research laboratories who wish to acquire contemporary photoelastic methods for residual stress measurement in glass products of any shape. The participants may bring to Summer School samples they want to measure stresses in.

Course Outline Basic elasticity, basic photoelasticity, integrated photoelasticity, stress field tomography, scattered light photoelasticity, automatic polariscope AP-07 for residual stress measurement in glass articles of complicated shape, scattered light polariscope SCALP for thickness stress measurement in plates, immersion technique, software for stress calculation using measurement data, practical measurement of residual stress in tempered and annealed drinking glasses, bottles, CRT bulbs and neck tubes, optical fibre performs, architectural glass panels and automotive glazing, etc.

Course Director Dr. Hillar Aben, Head of the Laboratory of Photoelasticity of the Institute of Cybernetics at Tallinn University of Technology and CEO of GlasStress Ltd.

Registration Information: www.glasstress.com

Source: Glasstress Ltd

A SPECIAL FILM MAKES ALL GLASS PHOTOVOLTAIC

In the future, the windows in every home may become a source of electrical energy thanks to a clear film that, once applied, transforms ordinary window panes into fiber optics glass that catalyze the light and convey it to photovoltaic cells within the frame. The system efficiency rating is 81%, and installation costs are very low. In 2008 researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology – MIT- started working on a solar energy system that relies on residential glass rather than silicon photovoltaic cells. This is an attempt to apply, on a much smaller scale, the technology widely used for solar power generation plants, such as the "Archimede” in Italy, by which sunlight is transformed into heat using convex mirrors and thereafter converted into electricity.

Source: www.architetturaecosostenibile.it

MANFREDONIA, “ZADRA VETRI”: UNEMPLOYMENT TERM EXTENDED

In December 2011 “Zadra Vetri”, which performed secondary processing on float glass products made by "Manfredonia Vetro" ceased all production activities. Now the 13 weeks of unemployment benefits granted to its 70 plus ex-workers has been extended to 52 weeks.

Source: www.daunianews.it

APPLE CONFIRMS: IPHONE IS MADE WITH GORILLA GLASS

Apple erases all doubts regarding its supplier of iPhones glass covers: it's Corning; the inventor of the famous Gorilla Glass was listed on the chipper job creation report among the USA suppliers that directly or indirectly work with the Cupertino-based company.

Source: www.macitynet.it/

GLASS PRODUCTION: CONCLUSIONS REGARDING BAT REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

At the beginning of March the Official Journal of the European Union published its conclusions regarding the best available techniques (Bat) reference documents for glass production. The UE stipulated said conclusions pursuant to the industrial emissions directive (No. 75 of 2010). The conclusions on the Bat regard industrial activities and installations for the manufacture of glass, including glass fiber, with a melting capacity exceeding 20 tons per day and installations for melting mineral substances, including the production of mineral fibers, with a melting capacity exceeding 20 tons a day. They do not apply to the production of soluble glass, covered in the reference document for inorganic chemical products (either solid and not) fabricated in large batches or the production of polycrystalline wool and the production of mirrors, which are covered in the reference documentation for organic solvent-based surface treatments.

Source: www.greenreport.it

YORKSHIRE: ALLIED GLASS, THE -BASED MANUFACTURER OF GLASS CONTAINERS, EXPECTS 2012 SALES TO EXCEED £100M

The company, which has reported increased revenue of £97m in the year to 31 December 2011, said its performance was being driven by rising demand in emerging markets.
The sales rise has been fuelled by demand for spirits in emerging markets such as China, India, Russia and South America. Allied Glass designs and manufactures bottles supplying many of the world's leading brands. The company said it had increased profits since the deal while continuing to invest in machinery, jobs and a new bottle-decorating facility.

Source: Allied Glass

DOW CORNING AND THE QUALITY BOND™ IN INDIA

Dow Corning, global leader in silicon-based technology, announced the launch of its Quality Bond™ program for the rapidly growing Indian structural glazing and insulating glass market.

The Quality Bond program provides in-house and on-site training to fabricators and insulating glass processors. It is supported by Dow Corning’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, proven products, as well as best industry practices in quality control and assurance.

Source: Dow Corning

FORUM VETRO BEGINS ON 24 MAY IN VERONA

On 24 and 25 May 2012, the VeronaFiere Convention Center will host Forum Vetro, organized by Reed Business Information in conjunction with Forum Serramenti and Forum Retail. During the two day conference, visitors will have the opportunity to attend different sessions within the venue and also learn how to assemble, build, and install the exhibitors' products thanks to special demonstrations held in a dedicated Demo area.

Source: www.forumserramenti.it

TENSYON SYSTEM BY OXIDAL SELECTED FOR ADI DESIGN INDEX 2011

ADI (Associazione per il Disegno Industriale) , through the constant monitoring of its Osservatorio Permanente del Design, selects the best products released on market, according to criteria including technological, functional and aesthetic innovation, safety, sustainability, eco-compatibility and social responsibility.
Tensyon system by Oxidal has been selected and included in the ADI Design Index, as one of the best products for 2011.
Tensyon is a state-of-the-art product, in terms of technology, high quality and design. The support can be used vertically, for facades, as well as horizontally, for coverings, shelters and rooftops. Its versatility is unrivalled, allowing for applications with any type of glass, and complies with the strictest requirements in energetic efficiency.
Accurate structural simulations show the unrivalled resistance of all components. Each support sustains loads up to 200 kg per point, with minimal deformation and in full safety. Functional features allow a reduction in installation expenses, requiring no boring of panes, as well as high technological performance thanks to the combination with a bearing tie rod structure: the rods go between support and glass panes, thus highly reducing space requirements (approx. 5/10 cm).

Source: Oxidal Newsletter

GPD CHINA 2012 LAUNCHES FINAL PROGRAM

Glass Performance Conference will take place in Shanghai, China on March 31-April 1, 2012. The lead theme for this gathering of professional glass specialists is High Performance Glass in Sustainable Energy Systems.

Parallel sessions with a clear focus for specialists as well as connection with the China Glass Exhibition following on April 2-5, 2012 make the occasion highly attractive for visitors who wish to improve and update their knowledge and at the same time experience the solutions presented by exhibitors.

Source: Glaston Finland Oy --download the final program>>

TRAINOR GLASS CO. CEASES OPERATIONS

Trainor Glass Co., which ranked No. 3 on its 2011 Top 50 Glaziers list with annual sales of between $150 million and $175 million, has ceased operations.
Local news outlets are reporting that Trainor Glass had several projects underway at the time of its closure, among them a $10 million contract for work on the Parkland Hospital in Dallas, according to a Feb. 22 DallasNews.com report. According to The Dallas Morning News site, Trainor also has a $16.2 million contract with the Museum Tower in downtown Dallas and a $2.2 million job for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

Source: Glass Magazine

ITALY: VENETIAN GLASS STUDY DAYS

The “Venetian Glass Study Days” will open on Wednesday, 7 March at 6.00 pm at the Istituto Veneto di Scienze Lettere ed Arti.
The seminar is set to become an annual appointment for museum curators, collectors, and experts from around the world and demonstrates the Istituto Veneto’s commitment towards fostering and promoting the awareness of Venetian art, its excellence and quality.

Source: www.istitutoveneto.it

THE NEW AUTOMATIC SQUARING SYSTEM FOR GLASS

Neptun faces the future with investments and reorganization

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THE NEW VERTICAL PANTOGRAPHS, PAVONI AUTOMAZIONI PRESENTS ITS EXCLUSIVE, PATENTED MACHINE

Pavoni Automazioni is specialized in the design and manufacture of numerically controlled machines crafted to operate on glass, marble and granite.

Source:

TULIPPS SOLAR WINS DUTCH SOLAR INNOVATION AWARD IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CATEGORY FOR “OUT-OF-THE-BOX” THINKING

On February 16, during ceremonies on the Eindhoven High Tech Campus, TULiPPS Solar B.V. won the 2012 Dutch Solar Innovation Awards Organized by Dutch Solar Magazine.
The first Dutch Solar Awards is a juried competition designed to showcase the best of the Netherlands’ solar energy sector by recognizing innovation in several awards categories.
The Industry Development category recognizes a company that excels in achieving an industrial innovation (realized in calendar year 2011) that advances the progress of industry and the solar market on a global scale.

Source: www.tulipps.com

AGC GLASS EUROPE: PROPOSED REDUCTION IN PRODUCTION CAPACITY IN BELGIUM AND ITALY

Impelled by the combined effects of the sharp fall in demand and the large overcapacity in the European glass industry, AGC Glass Europe has informed the personnel representatives concerned that it proposes to shut down the two oldest of its glass furnaces in Europe, namely one of the four furnaces of its Moustier plant (Belgium) and the furnace in the Salerno plant (Italy).

The Moustier furnace has now reached the end of its working life and will be shut down in mid-March. The absence of any sign of a recovery in the market precludes any plans for refurbishing it. Given the highly competitive environment, the management of the Moustier plant also announced today at a meeting of the Works Council that it intends to reorganise its operations so as to raise its competitiveness in the current difficult situation. The dual initiative (furnace shut-down plus reorganisation) could lead to the loss of 123 jobs out of a total of 719, and so will first be discussed with the labour unions. The consultations will also cover measures to soften the blow, such as setting up a reemployment team.

The Salerno plant for its part has one production furnace, one laminated glass processing line and one distribution centre. Under the continuing effects of the financial crisis and the local overcapacity, it is proposed to shut down the furnace at the end of February. The furnace itself employs 125 people out of a total of 140. Accordingly, its shut-down will be discussed with the labour organisations. The plant will continue its processing and distribution activities.

Source: www.agc-glass.eu

FIRE RATED GLASS: DESIGNED TO PROTECT

San.Co® is the production chain leader along with AGC Pyrobel and Picco & Martini, a compact and successful group.

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EAC, A SUCCESSFUL CASE HISTORY FROM EGYPT

The policy of the Ocmi Group company, a success model that puts together its technological know-how and manpower in Northern Africa and the Middle East

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ALUMCO TO USE DUPONT GLASS TECHNOLOGY

DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions has licensed its high-definition, decorative laminated safety glass technology to Dubai-based Alumco, a market leader in the aluminum façade industry.
The agreement allows Alumco to produce and distribute DuPont SentryGlas Expressions digital interlayer glass to meet growing demand for custom designed imagery and aesthetics in laminated glass.

Source: www.tradearabia.com

GROWTH IN PHOTOVOLTAICS BRINGS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO THE SOLAR INDUSTRY

In 2011, solar plants with a total capacity of at least 26.5 gigawatts (GW) were installed across the globe. In Germany alone, around 7.5 GW of new photovoltaic capacity was added, exceeding even the previous record year of 2010. This takes the total capacity installed in Germany to 24 GW. With 18 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) of solar power produced during the year, 2011 saw photovoltaics conquer a larger share of the German energy production market than hydropower for the first time – and this share is set to grow further. According to estimates from BSW-Solar (German Solar Industry Association) in Berlin, solar power production will see a further 70% rise in the next four years alone. This would mean that, by 2016, 7% of the German energy mix would be supplied from PV systems. The PV ENERGY WORLD Special Exhibition at Intersolar Europe 2012 will showcase the hottest developments and pioneering solutions

Source: www.intersolar.de

EAC, A SUCCESSFUL CASE HISTORY FROM EGYPT

The policy of the Ocmi Group company, a success model that puts together its technological know-how and manpower in Northern Africa and the Middle East

Source:

NEW O-I BJC GLASS CONTAINER PLANT OPENS IN VIETNAM

Joint venture partners Owens-Illinois, Inc. (O-I), Berli Jucker Public Company Limited (BJC) and Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Company (SABECO) opened Vietnam’s most state-of-the-art glass container manufacturing plant. Located around 60 kilometres south east of Ho Chi Minh City in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, the new USD $47 million (VND 999,660,000,000) factory will initially produce approximately 75,000 tonnes annually of mainly returnable premium glass containers for Vietnam’s beer, soft drink, food, wine, spirits and pharmaceutical markets. However, the new plant has the capacity to adapt to market trends, extending to four lines with a production capacity of 84,000 tonnes of glass annually.

Source: O-I...read more >>

FOAMED GLASS FOR TOTAL WASTE RECOVERY

The Biella area is the ideal location for the “NoVeDi” project, developed by Sasil in cooperation with the Province of Biella

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5PEXPO'2012: NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP THE RUSSIAN EXHIBITION INDUSTRY

5pEXPO'2012, the 6th International Forum of the Exhibition Industry will take place on June 6-8, 2012 at the Moscow Expocentre Fairgrounds. The Forum organized by Expocentre and the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the largest exhibition and congress event for the Russian exhibition community. The Forum'2012 key subject matter embraces consolidation of domestic and foreign opportunities and experience on holding of the exhibition-and-congress and event arrangements. The International Congress on actual problems of exhibition-and-congress activities will be held in collaboration with IFES – the International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services. For the first time the IFES Annual Meeting will be held within the bounds of the Forum (http://www.ifesnet.com/).
The Forum will incorporate the 4th All-Russian Conference Trends in the Russian Congress, Exhibition and Fair Activities Development and the Congress East for West, West for East. Global Trends in Exhibition and Congress Business.

Source: www.mirstekla-expo.ru

ARTISTIC GLASS MADE IN ITALY PROTECTED BY RFID

Linea Murano Art, in partnership with Novarex, has taken up the challenge.

Source:

VETRO SAN SALVO: SAINT GOBAIN PREPARING TO SELL FLOVETRO SHARES TO PILKINGTON

It looks like Saint Gobain is close to agreeing to sell its half of Flovetro (the company that owns an automotive glass factory in San Salvo) shares to Pilkington. What appeared to be the decisive summit meeting on the subject took place several days ago at the Assovetro headquarters in Rome.

Source: Leggimi - Cronaca d'Abruzzo

STRUCTURAL GLASS IS HEAT-STRENGTHENED, LAMINATED OR WIRED GLASS

A conference organized by ATE, the Italian Building Technologies Association, to discuss standards, certifications and characteristics.

Source:

NUERNBERGMESSE OFFERS TO ITS MANY VISITORS FROM ITALY A NEW SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE LINKING

Munich Airport directly with the Nuremberg Fairgrounds for the duration of the trade show, from March 21 through March 24, 2012.
Departures from Munich and Nuremberg will allow for convenient connections with flights between Munich and many Italian cities. The ride will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way, enabling our visitors to overnight in the city or visit the trade show as a day-trip.
DEPARTURES FROM MUNICH AIRPORT: 9:00 AM and 11 AM; our shuttle bus, bearing the logo of the trade show, departs from outside Terminal 2.
DEPARTURES FROM THE NUREMBERG FAIRGROUNDS: 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.

Source: NuernbergMesse

HOLLOW GLASS - POSITIVE TRENDS: THE MARKET PROVES IT

Bottero hollow glass sales manager Paolo Mazzone’s assessment of the sector: brisk in Turkey, healthy trends in China, North Central and South America. Beer drives the beverage sector, with 50% of the market.

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2012 OUTLOOK: SOUTH AMERICA SPARKLES, CHINA BUZZES, THE U.K. REAWAKENS

Cinzia Schiatti, president of Gimav: “I’m rather optimistic, although we’re strapped for cash flow”

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IMPORTS OF NON-REINFORCED GLASS OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IS INCREASING

The analysis of the growing markets of the Russian Federation in the first nine months of last year showed that the import market unreinforced glass showed good growth.
According to research data, the overseas non-reinforced glass with thickness from 3.5 to 4.5 mm increased by more than 40% in comparison with those of 2010. In monetary terms, the market capacity of 12 million U.S. dollars. In the third quarter, imports of glass under the number 7005293500 HS engaged in more than 109 domestic companies. Leading trading partner of Russia in the third quarter of 2011 was the Ukraine, leaving behind a more than 44% market share of imports unreinforced glass.
Non-wired glass applied to the production of window glass and other applications.

Source: Glassonweb.com-http://steklosouz.ru

CORNING AND SAMSUNG MOBILE DISPLAY FORM NEW OLED GLASS VENTURE

Corning Incorporated (NYSE: GLW) and Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd. have signed an agreement to establish a new equity venture for the manufacture of specialty glass substrates for the rapidly expanding organic light emitting diode (OLED) device market. The new business will be located in Korea.

Combining Corning’s Lotus™ Glass substrate technology and Samsung Mobile Display’s OLED display expertise, this new entity will be well-positioned to provide outstanding product solutions for current and future OLED technologies, from handheld and IT devices to large TVs and beyond. The newly formed entity will supply OLED backplane glass substrates for Samsung Mobile Display, as well as for the broader Korean market.

Samsung is playing a leading role in this emerging market through its Galaxy mobile device products and Super OLED TV technology introduced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show. Corning’s ongoing advanced glass technology development includes a strong focus on high-performance displays. Most recently, this focus has been demonstrated through Corning’s new Lotus™ Glass substrates, which deliver the higher processing temperatures and improved dimensional stability needed to produce the new high performance displays.

Source: Corning

SHANGHAI RESTRICTS USE OF GLASS CURTAIN WALLS

The use of reflective glass curtain walls will be banned in apartment, hospital, school, kindergarten and nursing home structures that have two stories or more, a local construction official said in Shanghai on Tuesday, citing safety concerns. "The construction and housing authorities will launch a general overhaul of the city's glass curtain walls by the end of March to check their quality and ensure timely maintenance,

Source: chinadaily.com.cn

AGC TO RESTART PRODUCTION LINE AT GREENLAND PLANT

AGC Glass Company North America announced it plans to restart an idled production line at its Greenland Plant in Church Hill and bring back 100 jobs once the line becomes operational.
The G1 production line will manufacture float glass for the architectural and automotive markets. Construction on the line will begin this summer and is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Source: timesnews.net

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA LENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO LAURIER GLASS

Laurier Glass Ltd. in Laurier Station near Quebec city, received financial assistance from the Government of Canada for the purchase of specialized equipment, according to a January 25 Canada Economic Development release. This acquisition will enable the company to increase its production capabilities and improve the quality of its products. Founded in 1950, Laurier Glass initially specialized in the manufacture of stocksheet mirrors for the furniture industry before branching out into the production of tempered glass.

Source: Glassglobal.com

LOVATI: REBUILT MACHINE TYPE LOV201AF5L IS NOW AVAILABLE

The second-hand machine type LOV-201 AF5L has been completely rebuilt and tested in Lovati factory. LOV-201 AF5L machine is covered by standard warrantee as per brand new machines.
LOV-201AF5L is a fully automatic machine to grind all types of edge profile (pencil edge, flat edge, OG edge, etc) on heavy rectangles with rounded corners, oval etc.
Working off a template for shapes other than circles, the machine produces perfectly true shapes from each production cycle, in which the heads automatically enter and exit without operator intervention.
The glass is handled only at loading and unloading.
The piece is finished with a bright polish at the end of the cycle.
The machine processes the glass with simultaneous functioning of the heads.
The machine is entirely self-contained with its own recycling tank and pump and with its own vacuum system.
Maintenance, because of the over-engineered design, is minimal.

Source: Lovati.....for more information >>

GREY MOUNTAIN GOBBLING UP GLASS COMPANIES

Grey Mountain Partners, a Colorado-based investment firm, has announced four acquisitions of glass and glazing products manufacturers in the U.S. since the start of the year. The company's stable now includes Columbia Commercial Building Products, Global Security Glazing, Binswanger and Custom Components Co

Source: Glass Magazine

ITALY: UPDATED STATISTICAL STUDIES ON TAXES TO BE PAID BY GLASS PROCESSING, TRANSFORMATION AND SALES COMPANIES

Model VD28U replaces model UD28U concerning the processing and transformation of flat glass (business activity code 23.12.00); the manufacture of glass for laboratories, health/hygiene, and pharmaceuticals ( business activity code 23.19.10); the processing of hand-made glass and artistic blown glass ( business activity code 23.19.20); the manufacture of other glass products including technical glass (business activity code 23.19.90) and the repair of articles made of glass (business activity code 33.19.03).
In the area of sales, among the activities subject to updating, we’d like to point out business category model VM22B (which replaces business category model UM22B) concerning “Wholesale sales of glass and crystal objects, business activity code 46.44.10”.

Source: GuidaVetro

ACRISTALIA LANDS IN MEXICO

Acristalia is a European enterprise that manufactures picture windows, glass patio enclosures, and sliding roof systems. As part of an international expansion project, through which the company now operates in more than 15 countries in the world, it has now opened an office in Mexico.

Source: Viidrioperfil

PARAPET GLAZING WITH 300 KG LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY

Arteferro Inox, the brand held by Ind.i.a. spa - Industria Italiana Arteferro, has developed a new version of the Glass parapet system with a high load-bearing capacity. Glass U Extra Strong, as certified by TüV Süd, can withstand a 300 kg horizontal force and is therefore ideal for crowded places such as stadiums, museums and airports.
The new version combines these high performance features with the innovative Glass fixing system which allows all-glass parapets to be installed quickly without the use of cement. The aluminum profiles, seal and glass are simply positioned and installation is completed by fixing with safety wedges.

Source: Guida finestra

NEW APPLE STORE IN FRANCE TO BE 'NEARLY TRANSPARENT'

Apple will unveil one of its most unusual retail store designs in Aix en Provence, France. The store will feature a nearly all-glass structure based on new technology developed by Apple’s glass suppliers.
A rendering posted by aixendialogue magazine shows a one-level structure set back on a broad stone plaza, with a tan-colored rear wall, and all other encompassing walls made of glass. The store could open by late 2012 or early 2013.

Source: aixendialogue

ZAK GLASS TECHNOLOGY EXPO INDIA SURPASSES ALL EXPECTATIONS TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL EDITIONS OF ALL TIME

Zak Group hosted the 9th edition of Zak Glass Technology Expo from the 8th to 11th December 2011 at MMRDA Exhibition Center, Mumbai. The event aimed to highlight the multifaceted innovative glass processing solutions that are now available for the Indian glass industry, which will add a positive thrust and impetus to the nation’s development in the real estate and automotive markets. The expo met with a highly favorable response, seeing an influx of visitors at the exhibition witnessing a total of 20,600 footfalls over its four-day period. The expo was held concurrently with the 8th edition of Zak Doors & Windows Expo, which is India’s largest forum on Fenestration and the 3rd Zak Aluminium Extrusions Expo, which is the only kindly of its expo globally focusing on Aluminium Extrusions for Curtain Wall fabrication.

India has approximately 450 million sq ft of green and sustainable building space and various bodies such as the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) & The Energy & Resource Institute (TERI) have articulated that within two years by 2012 the country should have a total of 1.2 billion sq. ft. The technologies and solutions highlighted at the expo coupled with the practical knowledge sharing during the seminar sessions, provided the glass processors to create more sustainable, improved and environmentally friendly products for urban environments across all sectors like commercial, hospitality, healthcare, IT, etc. The next edition will be held in New Delhi from 14-16 December 2012.

Source: Zak Trade Fairs & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd

BYSTRONIC GLASS TO BUNDLE FORCES IN GERMANY AND STREAMLINE BUSINESS SECTIONS

Bystronic glass wants to bundle its forces and expertise in order to ensure the long-term competitiveness. In Germany, the group of companies is planning to merge the production of machines and plants for the specialist field of architectural glass at the Neuhausen-Hamberg location. At the same time, Bystronic glass wants to streamline its industrial activities and plans to cease manufacturing machinery for architectural glass cutting that has been performed at the Bützberg (Switzerland) location to date. However, it will continue to offer service support and replacement parts for existing plants. Bystronic glass intends to continue manufacturing machines and plants for automotive glass preprocessing at the Swiss location. The planned reorganisation of the immediately affected locations may lead to the cutting or relocation of jobs.

Source: Bystronic glass...read more>>

CHINA´S FLAT GLASS OUTPUT ACCELERATES ON NOVEMBER 2011

China´s building materials showed different momentum of growth in November 2011, with a slowing cement output growth and a speeding plate glass, according to latest statistics from the country´s top economic planner. Plate glass production expansion reached 7.1 percent year-on-year, quickening by by 0.5 percentage points from previous year. The output of flat glass, a sector fraught with overcapacity and duplicated construction problems, rose 17 percent year-on-year to 6.82 trillion weight boxes in the January-November period of last year, according to the NDRC.

Source: Glassglobal.com

IPAD: THE POTENTIAL OF A REVOLUTIONARY TOOL. RELEVANT IN THE WORLD OF GLASS, TOO.

In this sense, Glass in IT style is a real pioneer.

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NORTH-EAST ITALY: NEW FACILITY AT MARGHERA TO PRODUCE NEW WEALTH FROM PIECES OF GLASS

Paté, a European leader in glass recycling, has recently signed an agreement with Veritas for the construction of a facility with a capacity to treat 250,000 tonnes of glass waste. The facility will produce “furnace-ready glass” from glass waste. This second raw material used to produce new glass offers lower costs and energy consumption than the traditional raw material: it melts at a lower temperature than sand.

Source: www.gvonline.it

CHINA SPECIALTY GLASS ENDS DISTRIBUTORSHIP DEAL WITH SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS FRANCE

China Specialty Glass AG or CSG said its operating entity Guangzhou Hing Wah Glass Industry Co. (HWG), Ltd. and the Miroiterie du Rhin SAS, an unit of Saint-Gobain Glass France, terminated the existing exclusive distributorship agreement, effective December 31, 2011. The deal, that was inked on May 27, 2011, covered selected advanced glazing solutions.

Source: Saint-Gobain/rttnews.com

LISEC. THE FUTURE OF MODULAR MACHINERY

Video interview with Loris Grando

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FORZA G. THE ECOLOGY OF CENTRIFUGE AND MICROFILTRATION SYSTEMS

Specialists in the treatment of industrial waste, offers easy to manage, high quality turnkey services.

Source:

QUARANTA INTRODUCES ITS NEW VERTICAL WASHING MACHINE

Quality to fight the crisis

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BELFORTGLASS. NEW PRODUCTS, OPENING TO NEW MARKETS

Interview with Mauto Bovone

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RECOVERY IN THE EAST EUROPEAN MARKETS

Impex Srl, distributor of accessories, products and glass processing machinery, is specialized in serving the central and eastern European markets

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THIS IS THE PHILOSOPHY OF FBS PROFILATI: QUALITY RAW MATERIALS,
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

At Vitrum with its new line of decorative inserts with Crystal beveled glass.

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AGC AND INTERPANE ENTER INTO STRATEGIC ALLIANCE IN THE GLASS BUSINESS

AGC will acquire 51% of Interpane.
In addition to both being producers of float glass, the two partners have complementary processing activities in terms of geographical scope and product specialties. Through Interpane, AGC gains an industrial presence, mainly in the German flat glass market, and expects to enlarge its range of coated products. “With this alliance AGC aims to strengthen its position in glass coatings and to grow its industrial footprint, offering new glass functions in building, solar & automotive applications,” confirms Jean-François Heris, CEO of AGC Glass Europe. In search of new markets, Interpane for its part will benefit from the extended network and industrial presence of AGC throughout Europe. “Joining AGC ensures the further development of Interpane through access to enlarged know-how and various market segments, which will enhance our value proposition,” comments Jörn Hesselbach, CEO of Interpane.

The closing of the transaction is subject to customary merger control clearance by the relevant competition authorities.

Source: AGC Glass Europe – Communications

ADI AT VITRUM WITH A NEW RANGE OF UHS - ULTRA HIGH SPEED WHEELS

Cutting-edge quality for a “discerning” niche market

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THE LATEST INNOVATIONS FROM MOLE MORESCHI AT VITRUM 2011.

Know-how in motion

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COMBI: NEW GRINDING WHEELS AND ROUTERS

Exclusive products by Bovone Diamond Tools at Vitrum 2011.

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INTERVIEW WITH FEDERICA BOVONE. MSL, MIRROR SILVERING LINES

The United States, Asia and South America are the top export destinations for Bovone Elettromeccanica.

Source: Glass in italian style

CEFLA. THE REAL INNOVATION: REORGANIZING PROCESSES WITH CLIENTS

Cefla Finishing Group, a world leader in the painting industry, presents “Pixart” at Vitrum.

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PLC SYSTEM DOUBLE EDGE GRINDERS AND A VERTICAL DRILL BY COSTRUZIONI MECCANICHE BESANA UNDER THE SPOTLIGHTS.

New products and market trends from Vitrum 2011

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GSE UPDATES APPLICATION RULES, 10% BONUS FOR PANELS MADE IN EU

The primary changes concern:
the documentation to be submitted for award of a 10% increase in the incentive tariff for the use of EU/SEE -made components, including modules manufactured outside EU/SEE countries that incorporate crystalline silicon wafers or cells manufactured in EU/SEE countries; the documentation to be presented for anti-mafia certification, and clarification regarding definition of farm building/installation equivalency as “buildings”.

Source: Edilportale

INTERVIEW WITH MARINO FERRARESE - GLASTON BAVELLONI

A journalist from Glass in Italian style conducted an interview with Marino Ferrarese, Director of Pre-Processing Product Line, during Vitrum 2011.

He talks about the Glaston Bavelloni's latest products and much more.

Source: Glass in Italian style

VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH CINZIA SCHIATTI: SLIGHT PICKUP IN MARKET ACTIVITY BRINGS A NOTE OF CONFIDENCE FOR 2012

Schiatti Angelo presents the new TFV vertical drill at Vitrum.

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ADELIO LATTUADA CONFIRMS ITS LEADING POSITION: AT THE FAIR WITH THE BIGGEST LINEUP OF EDGERS

And signs a deal at Vitrum for a second straightline edger, the largest ever developed

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TORONTO CITY COUNCIL APPROVES GLASS BALCONY SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS

The Toronto City Council adopted measures to increase glass balcony safety based on recommendations from the Planning and Growth Management Committee. The Nov. 29 decision comes several months after a series of glass balcony failures on Toronto high rises made headlines. According to the City Council meeting minutes, the committee recommended an emergency amendment to the Ontario Building Code that better addresses glass balcony safety concerns. The committee also recommended an update for trade practices and training in the use of balcony glass panels, and a review of safety standards.

Source: Toronto.ca

NANOTECHNOLOGIES, ULTRASOUND WASHERS AND WASHERS FOR CURVED GLASS: TRIULZI’S RECIPE FOR THE FUTURE

Customized automation, environment and energy savings - Video interview with Cesare Triulzi

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IN 2012, 80% OF THE NEW TECHNOLOGY FOR FLAT FLOAT GLASS WILL BE SIGNED BOTTERO ENGINEERING

Well-established in the East, ready for expansion in South America

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EXCELLENT PROSPECTS FOR TABLEWARE, PHARMACEUTICAL AND TECHNICAL GLASS

Meanwhile, the leading firms are developing new technologies for 2012.

Source:

INTERMAC INTRODUCES NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR SHAPE CUTTING OF LAMINATED GLASS AND RECESSED DRAIN TOOLING AT VITRUM 2011

Password: innovation

Source:

CLEER VISION WINDOWS ACQUIRES SANTELLI TEMPERED GLASS ELKHART LLC

Officials of Cleer Vision Windows Inc. announced the acquisition of Santelli Tempered Glass Elkhart, LLC. Initially an investment partner, Cleer Vision now wholly owns the company, which will operate under the name Cleer Vision Tempered Glass, LLC.

Source: Glass Magazine

GLASS WORLD 2012 IS COMING AFTER ITS ABSENCE IN 2011 DUE TO THE POLITICAL CHANGES THAT HAD OCCURRED IN MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES

Glass World 2012 is coming in an outstanding edition defying all the ups and downs, after its absence in 2011 due to the political changes that had occurred in Middle Eastern countries.
For this reason all glass industry experts, professionals and buyers from all over the world are awaiting Glass World 2012 after they had missed it in 2011 and that was clearly shown by the huge number of Egyptian and international exhibitors who already booked their stands. Glass World 2012 will showcase the latest technological advancements of products and services as well as the leading suppliers of Equipment and Machinery, providing opportunities to overseas exhibitors to interact with local entrepreneurs for joint ventures, transfer of technologies and appointing agents/distributors and partners.

Source: Glass World 2012

RUSNANO SIGNES AGREEMENT TO ESTABLISH PRODUCTION OF ENERGY-EFFICIENT GLASS

RUSNANO, the NSG Group, which operates in Russia under the Pilkington name, the EBRD and the Russian STiS Group have signed an agreement to establish a new venture incorporating the production of high-quality glass with special coating.
Total investment in the project will approximately amount 11.8 bln roubles. RUSNANO and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development will invest in common stock 2.8 bln roubles and 1.4 bln roubles respectively. Under the terms of the agreement the rest of the money coming from other types of financing including loans and preference shares, 3.2 bln roubles of which will be committed by RUSNANO.
One of the main products of the new enterprise will be energy-efficient glass, which gets its unique properties from a special multi-layer coating. Each layer has a thickness between 5 and 500 nanometres. As a result, each layer enables the glass to keep more heat indoors. In many countries 80–100% of all installed windows are made using energy-efficient glass.
The use of energy saving glass in residential and industrial areas can reduce heat loss in times of cold weather by up to 70%, and when the weather is hot the glass protects buildings from overheating in the sun. The use of double-glazed energy-efficient glass can significantly reduce costs related to air conditioning and central heating.
As part of the project, a new production line will be built next to the existing Pilkington plant in Russia located in Ramenskoe in the vicinity of Moscow. High technology coating facilities will also be installed at the same site.
The new glass production plant will produce 240 thousand tons of premium quality glass per annum—of which approximately 100 thousand tons will be further processed into high tech energy efficient coated glass for sale into the Russian building products market.

Source: RUSNANO (press release)

CRYSTAL DIRECT HAS INVESTED IN A STUGA FLOWLINE CUTTING AND MACHINING CENTRE

The Stuga Flowline will allow Crystal to increase its production by as much as 200 frames a week and will guarantee ‘consistently high quality’ units and shorter lead times for customers, the company says. This prepping centre has been designed specifically for British windows systems, giving high levels of accuracy and meeting all possible sawing and cutting requirements.

Source: www.crystal-direct.co.uk

GUARDIAN EXPANDS UNITED KINGDOM PLANT WITH HIGH TECHNOLOGY GLASS COATER

Guardian Industries announced that it is expanding its Goole, England float glass plant with the addition of a new coating machine for the manufacture of energy efficient glass for residential (ClimaGuard) and commercial (SunGuard) applications.
The coater represents the most advanced technology in the world for turning standard glass into high performance, value-added glass. The coater allows the plant to produce low-emissivity glass that provides high levels of thermal insulation, and solar control glass that prevents buildings from overheating. These high performance products are able to meet or exceed new energy standards.

Source: www.guardian.com

LOHMAN GLASS COMPANY OFFERS A DISCOUNT WHEN LIKING THEM ON FACEBOOK

Doyle Lohman, CEO and CFO of Lohman Glass Company has more than 38 years of experience in the glass business, and his son David Lohman, Vice President strive for perfect customer service. Most companies strive to do a quality job for word-of-mouth and repeat business. While Lohman Glass also enjoys these benefits as well, their top priority is to do the best job possible.
The company offers free quotes and for all new fans of their Facebook page, they will take 10 percent off of the purchase of $100 or more.

Source: www.ultimateclearlake.com

BRAZIL: CBVP ANNOUNCES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND FLOAT GLASS PRODUCTION FACILITY

The Brazilian float glass company announced the construction of a second facility in Brazil at a dinner of the Mineira do Comércio Atacadista, Varejista e dos Beneficiadores do Vidro (Amvid) association on 10 November.
"We are negotiating with the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and San Paolo to define the location of the venture", stated CBVP president Paul Drummond.
Also at the dinner were executives Lisbona Henry (Sales and Marketing Manager), Danilo Gatto (Sales Manager) and Alex Martins (Sales Coordinator).
Work has just begun on the construction of CBVP’s first float glass factory in Goiás Pernambuco.

Source: Abravidro

SGD, GLASS WITHOUT BORDER

With ten production facilities established on key markets from the USA to Brazil, Europe to China, SGD stands on a unique geographical coverage. It is one of the assets that enabled the the world leading producer of glass bottles for fragrances and cosmetics industries to contribute to several major launches in 2011.In Brazil, O Boticario chose SGD to launch its new brand, Eudora, a line of eight fragrances produced and decorated in the group’s plant in Brazil; all models come from SGD’s collection of stock items.

Source: Glassglobal.com

ITALY: GLASS INDUSTRY OVERBURDENED BY ENERGY COSTS

Glass is one of the industries most affected by rising energy costs; "prices may increase by 28% in 2012", decries Massimo Noviello, president of AssovetroConfindustria. Glass industry insiders know however that energy is only one of the problems.
Over the last year, the reference stock market price of gas has certainly risen higher in Italy than in other European countries like the UK, Germany, France, Holland and Belgium and so have expenditures. In spite of this disadvantage, the records show that on a national scale production increased by about 7% in 2010, with output rising from 4.7 to 5 million tons. To be more specific, 922 thousand tons of it were flat glass products (+8.4% from 2009), while the other 3.6 million tons were hollow glass, such as bottles, vials, jars and other domestic use items (+5.43%). Exports respectively increased by +1% and +12%.

Source: Repubblica

FAMATEC PRESENTS ITS BRAND NEW FRIENDLY 250 KG CAPACITY AND 4/5 AND 6 METER WORKING RADIUS GLASS HANDLERS AT VITRUM 2011

FAMATEC is a UNI EN ISO 9001-2000 certified company founded in 1988 that designs pneumatic systems for manually assisted handling of products.
The latest FRIENDLY models, featuring remarkable enhancements, were presented to the glass industry during Vitrum 2011.
Friendly handling systems are truly indispensable tools designed to effortlessly pick-up, move sideways, lift and rotate flat glass in a nick of time.
The brand new models featured at Vitrum were:
Friendly 60 (60 Kg capacity, 3-4-5-and 6 meter working radius)
Friendly 150 (150 Kg capacity, 3-4-5-and 6 meter working radius)
Friendly 250 (250 Kg capacity, 3-4-5-and 6 meter working radius)

These brand new models can load or unload work centers, machining or cutting benches, insulating and straightline edger production lines. Friendly manipulators are equipped with suction pads that can be independently engaged and positioned to move glass of different shapes and sizes.
A highly efficient air vacuum system allows Friendly to perform a broad range of servo assisted movements, 0-93 degrees front tilt, 0-180 degree rotation and 180 degrees flip-over, depending on the model.
Gingo was instead specifically designed for moving heavy and oversized glass panels. It relies on its compressor and rechargeable batteries to provide all-day-long seamless operation.

Source: Glass in IT style - Famatec

ITALY: COMPANIES LOOK TO NEW PRODUCTS AND MARKETING TO CLIMB NATIONAL MARKET RANKINGS

Banca d'Italia recently surveyed a total of 4,078 service and industrial companies (2,916 belonged to this last) with at least 20 employees. The results show the majority (over 2/3) intends to overcome the difficult outlook through quality improvements, new products and marketing.
This confirms the frequently successful effort Italian companies are making to reposition themselves on the global manufacturing market, a valiant effort national policies should facilitate rather than thwart, as all too often is the case.
Two thirds also expect to report a profit for 2011.

Source: fonte Centro Banca - Osservario Italia

VIDEO INTERVIEW: LISEC AT VITRUM 2011

A journalist from Glass in Italian style conducted an interview with Richard Bruckner, managing director of Lisec c.m.i. srl during Vitrum 2011.

Richard Bruckner talks about the Lisec's latest products and much more.

Source: Glass in it style - Interview by Camilla Zanetti

FOR.EL. SHOWS A VERTICAL LINE FOR THE ASSEMBLY OF INSULATING GLASS WITH DIMENSIONS UP TO 6000X3210 MM AT THE 17TH VITRUM SHOW

This project represents the maximum expression of technological evolution in the field of high performance glazing. The various stages of the insulating-glass assembly process are automated and executed in sequence on a single vertical operating line.
Many solutions have been engineered to allow handling large sheets of glass with complete safety for the operators, helping the difficult phases of loading and unloading the machines. As thicknesses and dimensions of the units required by the market are growing, an intense effort has been made in the re-design of each machine in order to reach a load bearing capacity of 450 kilograms per meter.

The line starts with two edge-working machines. First is the automatic coating remover (Art. CR2320), to eliminate the oxide that would decrease the adhesion of sealants around the insulated glass unit. This is followed by a vertical arrissing and grinding unit (Art. GM6032) which finishes the edge of the glass and eliminates faults caused by cutting that could lead to breakage (for instance due to thermal stress) and undesired sharp edges. Each phase of the production is connected to the previous and the next throughout the entire line, processing the glass sheets at high speed and in a fully automated way for rectangular shapes, thanks to a dimension self-measuring system. The operator can choose between different standards of finish, from seaming to rough grinding with rounded corners. This solution is meeting great success as it allows great flexibility in the processing of varied mixes of dimensions, so not only useful before an IG line, but as a pre-processing before tempering or in the manufacturing of solar panels. The next crucial process is the washing, performed recognising the presence of low emissive coatings and therefore disablinges the hard washing brushes, that would otherwise damage the glass surface permanently. The following quality inspection system recognises and stores in electronic form any glass faults, enabling the operator to assess the imperfection and avoid customer complaints. The spacer profile is then applied and the plant can at this stage be equipped with either a classic rigid spacer positioning conveyor or the flexible warm-edge profile applicator (art. TBB320). This machine enables the highest possible automation of the line, preparing the flexible spacer with a double layer of hot butyl prior to its application onto the glass. The tandem press (art. APGST32) couples the glass sheets and fills the unit with gas (Argon and/or Krypton) with a percentage of over the 95% . The machine displayed is also able to produce stepped units with an offset up to 100mm. The machine body is split into 2 sections, each of those with a length of 3100 mm, so that for smaller sheets only one part can be selected. The process is completed by the automatic sealing robot (art. SA1432) able to handle the use of two different sealants (silicone, polysulphide). In case of stepped units, the machine is able to apply a thin layer of sealant also over the outer offset, avoiding the use of expensive screen printed lites. On the last conveyor eventually, the line features a patented solution to ease the delicate operation of downloading big and heavy units, thanks to a combined use of vacuum cups and movable rollers.

Source: For.El.

THE EXPANSION AND PENETRATION OF THE ALTERNATIVE MARKETS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, GULF AREA, AFRICA AND EURASIAN REGION , A SOLUTION TO OVERPASS THIS DIFFICULT SITUATION

The glass consumption is rising rapidly in the Middle East; there will be huge demand for the glass industry not only in the Middle East but in the MENA Region over the next coming years. What reinforces the glass industry in Egypt, Middle East and Africa are the automotive and construction industry which are considered to be a part and parcel of the glass industry and are also achieving a tremendous growth in the region. Not only these two sectors that enrich the glass industry in the mentioned above regions but it is used in Pharmaceutical, Electronic, Engineering and much more industries.

Source: Nile Trade Fairs

THE VP4 LED INSTRUMENT, THE NEW POLARISCOPE MADE BY LEMA

The VP4 LED instrument is a stress detector and tester for the identification of thermal tempered glasses: this brand new polariscope has been made by LEMA in order to be used in line production companies for a fast control of their products.
The "slim" size of this polariscope (dimenions are 104x53x2cm) grant the possibility to install it horizontally under, for example, the rollers that carry glasses in an automized production line, or vertically so that the technicians can check the glasses while passing them in front of it.
Indeed every screen comes with a pair of polarized goggles that grant the possibility to see the stress on glasses.
The VP4 LED is the ultimate instrument for controlling glass production, both for big glasses and for continuing production lines.

Source: Lema

SAINT GOBAIN LAUNCHES FIRE RESISTANT GLASS

Vetrotech Saint Gobain, a division of Saint-Gobain Glass India Ltd, rolled out its advanced range of fire resistant glass ‘Vetroflam’ targeted towards malls, commercial complex, retails space and office buildings.
While the green building concept is fast gaining momentum in India, the focus now is to ensure adequate fire protection in addition to the state-the-art solar control glasses, which helps in reducing the heat, while allowing light to penetrate.
Vetroflam has been tested in international labs for up to two hours of fire resistance. The super toughened product has outstanding mechanical strength, high impact resistance, easy to transport, handle and install. It has a solar factor of 0.26, a U value of 1.5W/m2K and also qualifies for the LEED or GRIHA ratings, besides conforming to the National Building Code (NBC) norms.

Source: www.vetrotech.com

CHINA: SIEMENS BUILDS AUTOMATION-ENGINEERING FACTORY

The Siemens Industry Automation Division is further expanding its position in the Asian growth market with a new factory to be built in Chengdu, China. Here, the company will develop and manufacture simatic controllers and automation components from the middle of 2013. The opening ceremony for the factory is scheduled for February 2012.

Source: www.siemens.com

NEW RANGE FOR FLAT EDGED GLASS WITH ARRISES XTRAEDGE DOUBLE-EDGERS

During its 65th anniversary, Glaston Bavelloni has presented Vitrum visitors with XtraEdge, the new range of double-edging machines for flat edged glass with arrises. The main features of the new series are:
• Xtra innovation for the utmost quality of the final product
• Xtra reliability for reduced operating costs
• Xtra technology to keep up with the times
• Xtra attention to environmental values and energy savings

Glass edging is the process that led Bavelloni brand to excellence. Focusing for many years on the furniture and white-goods industry, the brand has strategically strengthened its position afterwards, especially in the architectural field, which currently represents about 70% of the flat glass demand in the world. The demanding building trend is to use more and more glass surfaces to better control energy consumption in the construction industry. This trend has driven the group to increase investments in the field of double edging, which has represented a major part of the Bavelloni catalogue for many years.

XtraEdge, inheriting many years of experience from the previous models VX, VX EVO and VX Power Edge, pursues this history in double edging by adding “Xtra” performance and functions. Relying on tradition in this field, XtraEdge can provide customers with excellent technical solutions, more quality and reliability, increased attention to innovation, consideration for the environment and energy savings.
XtraEdge is available in 4 configurations with 8, 10, 11 and 12 cup wheels on each side and in 11 sizes, from 1,000 mm to 7,200 mm in width. Complete lines can be supplied in L, U or reverse shape.
From a single machine suitable for limited production to large automatic lines, XtraEdge can satisfy any customer’s needs.

To increase edging quality, the structures have been designed using the most modern modeling systems. The new XtraEdge double-edger is equipped with motor spindles that, together with the extremely rigid structure and the double motorization of the glass transport are the best solution to improve grinding quality. Thanks to the advanced technologies used, it is now possible to get an accurate diagnostics of the motor spindles for better maintenance as well as easier and faster servicing.
The conveyor belts are separately motorized by brushless motors controlled by PLC to allow perfect quality, even in the case of high thicknesses and big sizes. The upper belts are supplied as standard in special material suitable for low-e even soft-coated glass, and they are constantly cleaned by brush and fresh water.

The electrical and control box has been re-designed with big advantages: only one small-dimensioned monobloc controls the whole line, resulting in flexibility of positioning, easier installation, reduced occupied space and more attention to the ergonomics of the working environment. The new touchscreen control is easy to use, flexible, and information-rich, with many new functions. Bright colors, icons and intuitive illustrations help the operator learn all the functions very fast, so that it is possible to memorize and easily recall the settings for specific operations, always keeping the maximum freedom for customization. In addition, the control provides extensive statistics of use and information about preventive maintenance.
A wide choice of accessory elements, such as transfers, rollers, loading and unloading tables, corner cutting spindles and optional devices can give extreme flexibility in customizing the factory according to any specific requirements.
Thanks to a purposefully developed application, it is now possible to transfer the control panel view on compatible tablets by wifi. The operator can monitor and re-define machine working parameters, even if he is not close to the control panel. Activities such as tool setting or inputting new parameters are substantially easier and faster. XtraEdge operation, status and productivity can be even visualized from any other terminal connected in the net, thanks to the new LAN connecting function. The operator can choose to use a bar code reader to insert working parameters in an automatic and wireless way.

XtraEdge can be supplied with spindles for low-e coating removal, with fan and blower, and with a pre-washing device before the washing machine.
To support large glass sheets during grinding, Glaston Bavelloni patented an automatic intermediate bar that lies inside the crossbar when not in use. The device does not create any obstacle in the working area. It does not affect minimum workable glass dimensions and allows a fast change of format.
XtraEdge can automatically manage glass removal by setting required parameters in the control panel. Proportional valves are available to adjust the presetting of polishing wheels. It is also possible to motorize diamond arrising tools by using brushless motors and to introduce a quick set-up for polishing tools.
With this new range, completely designed and produced in the Bregnano Italian factory as a result of continuous investments in research and development, Glaston today can prove once again its constant engagement and initiative in the glass market by launching new products that are integrated within the Group’s full offering.

Source: Glaston Bavelloni

THE ATE MEETING ON “ STRUCTURAL GLASS” AT THE MILAN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY ON NOVEMBER 24TH

The 80th ATE meeting on "Structural Glass" will be held at the Milan Polytechnic University, on November 24th.
It will cover topics ranging from glass structures in buildings to product certification, from controls on materials to examples of glass and glass and steel structure, and finally the development of the concept of safety for loadbearing glass beams.
The meeting, organized by the Association of Building Technicians (ATE), will offer building professionals an overview of the regulations, product certifications, technology and calculations for structural glass.

Source: ATE

USA: NEW GLASS FURNACE AT WORLD KITCHEN

A $50 million glass furnace has been unveiled at World Kitchen’s pressware plant in Corning, USA, which manufactures Corelle dinnerware.“The project, which took 14 months to complete, is expected to increase the production capacity of the Corelle line by 50%, allowing the company to meet demand in the USA and in rapidly growing international markets, such as Korea, China and India,” said Joseph Mallof, President and Chief Executive Officer.
The furnace has been built around an 11-by-21 foot glass melting tank. It is one of three glass furnaces now in operation, surrounded by finishing and packaging, which operate around the clock, producing 325,000 items per day.

Source: www.glass-international.com

LOS ANGELES - SOLAR ENERGY INDUSTRY POSTS RECORD GROWTH, DESPITE SOLYNDRA COLLAPSE

Despite the Solyndra collapse that has tarnished solar energy, the industry has grown into "a major economic force" with a job base that expanded 6.8% the past year, nearly 10 times faster than the overall economy, industry representatives said Tuesday.
The solar business is now a $6 billion industry, up 300% from 2006, said officials with the Solar Foundation, a nonprofit affiliated with solar energy industry

Source: Cnn>>

FENZI EXPANDS ITS BUTYLVER PRODUCT LINE WITH TWO INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

Fenzi has expanded its range of solutions for high performance insulating glass units by introducing Butylver TPS and Butylver SS - just one more example of the group’s successful strategy to keep step with the continuous development of technology. The two new Fenzi products are already available on the market. Butylver TPS is the new ultra-high quality thermoplastic spacer bar developed by Fenzi’s laboratories for use with the special applicators produced by Lenhardt®, which has already tested and approved the product. Butylver TPS combines perfect workability with the first-rate, longlasting thermal performance for which TPS technology is distinguished.
It is also completely compatible with Thiover, the world’s top-selling two-component polysulphide sealant. Butylver TPS tops off the warm edge product line, which has been the focus of significant investments by Fenzi and the entire Glass Alliance network over recent years. “Our Butylver TPS is a highly effective option for manufacturers who choose to use Lenhardt® applicators. Our involvement in this technology provides TPS users with an alternative supplier with respect to the choices available up to now. This is a decisive step for us, because this new product completes our product line and allows us to offer the best of all possible technologies for the production of highperformance insulating glass,” confirms Alessandro Fenzi, the group’s CEO.
The group’s product line has also been enhanced with the introduction of Butylver SS, a particular formulation of the Butylver sealant suited for manufacturers using Edgetech’s Triseal® technology. Butylver SS sealants have been uniquely engineered for application on the flexible spacer bars used in this type of technology. The flexible spacer bars are made of plastic material, much softer than metal, so difficulties may arise during the application and pressing process. Butylver SS is a particularly soft butyl, which adapts perfectly to the flexible spacer bar when pressed, without damaging or straining it. Butylver SS is the best barrier to prevent gas leaks and is therefore the main backbone of the entire system.

Source: Fenzi Group

LUIGI BORMIOLI: GLASS MASTERS SINCE THE YEAR 1000, PRESENT-DAY GLASS ARTISTS.

Elegant luxury-orinted creations

Source:

WATER TREATMENT UNITS: EXPLAINING THEIR SUCCESS

The experience of Gruppo Vetrario Paci and Mec, users of units by Winkelmann Filtri

Source:

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION: IDENTIFICATION OF IMPLEMENTABLE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND SIMPLIFICATIONS FOR CIPE (INTERMINISTERIAL COMMITTEE FOR ECONOMIC PLANNING) IN BERLUSCONI’S LETTER TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

The Italian government has pledged to identify implementable construction projects in the next 10 weeks that may benefit from Irap and Ires tax deductions. Moreover, with a view to revitalizing the construction industry, the government will also define the contract standards to facilitate access to project financing by December 31st.
Project approval procedures will also be simplified in order to ensure easier access by small and medium-size companies.

Source: Edilportale

MAPPI MEETS AT VITRUM A DELEGATION OF ABOUT 60 GLAZIER FORM MIDDLE EAST

The company headquartered in Cisterna di Latina has organized a visit to the Mappi stand for a large delegation of operators from different countries in the Middle East during the first day of Vitrum.
The second day Mappi took them to visit a glass manufacturer in Brianza, equipped with an ATS Eco Convection furnace, showing the tempering processes on different types of special coated glass.
The Mappi current priority is the penetration of new market areas in order to strengthen its position in the world market. In fact, in a recent months the company entered an agreement with Corpotrade, to distribute their products throughtout the Middle East and Maghreb countries, which has led to sale of a Mappi furnace.

Source: Mappi International

ITALIAN BUSINESSMEN PUSH FOR MEASURES TO LIFT GROWTH

Italy is feeling the effects of the overall slowdown too. But containing expenditure and public debt is not sufficient

Source:

BEIJING TO THE USA: NO ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC GLASS

The Chinese government, through its Department of Trade, decided to take a direct hand in the dispute between American and Chinese producers by warning Washington against adopting anti-dumping measures that, as underlined in a release, may have severe repercussions on the global economy.

Source: Zero Emission

HURD ANNOUNCES NATIONWIDE LAUNCH OF NEW ULTRA-R WINDOWS WITH R-VALUES UP TO AN UNPRECEDENTED R-20

Hurd Windows and Doors announced the introduction of its newest product with groundbreaking glazing technology, the Ultra-R glazed window. This innovative product from Hurd made its national debut at the Remodeling Show in Chicago, October 13-15, 2011. The new Ultra-R glass option with Heat Mirror technology, which is not offered by any other leading U.S. wood window manufacturer, joins Hurd's broad range of performance products and is expected to be extremely popular with homeowners. Ultra-R windows with Heat Mirror technology -- manufactured by Southwall Insulating Glass -- utilize Heat Mirror films suspended within the insulated glass to achieve R-values that range from an impressive R-6 to an unprecedented R-20. These films are coated with nanoscale metal particles that reflect heat back to its source and improve insulation, block UV rays, reduce noise and amplify owner comfort.

Source: Marketwire....read more>>

GLASSMAN TURKEY 2011 CONFERENCE- 22/23 NOVEMBER

The Glassman Turkey 2011 conference features speakers from the primary glass manufacturing industry presenting papers discussing key issues including market trends, technology developments, case studies and innovation.

The conference theme is Glassmaking for the Future and topics include:
• Streamlining the glassmaking process
• Reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency
• The survival of glass in an increasingly competitive market
The conference will be held in conjunction with the Glassman Turkey 2011 exhibition and will provide a platform for the hollow glass manufacturing industry to meet in an intimate, relaxed environment and do business with decision makers involved with all aspects of the design, process and production of hollow glass.

Source: www.glassmanevents.com/

ITALY´S LAMES WILL START PRODUCING AUTOMATIC GLASS LIFTERS IN SERBIA

Negotiations between the representatives of Italy´s Lames, the town of Sremska Mitrovica Serbia and the Ministry of Economy have been successfully, meaning the project will start producing automatic glass lifters for automobiles in the town on the Sava river. The Serbian factory of this Italian company will employ 250 workers.
"Production of automatic glass lifters for cars starts will begin in September in a rented factory where 80 people will get jobs; Lames plans to build its own factory in Mitrovica this autumn," said Nedimovic, explaining that Lames would buy 5.5 hectares of land in the work zone Sever in Sremska Mitrovica in September and build an 8,500 square meter factory on that plot.
Construction of this facility will most probably begin in late October or November as the factory is expected to be fully operable by mid-2012. The total value of the investment is EUR 8 million.

Source: balkans.com/Glassglobal.com

ALLIED GLASS INVESTS MILLIONS IN BID TO CONQUER GLOBAL MARKETS

Allied plans to invest a further £2m in new machinery which will allow it to cater for growing demand in emerging markets for whisky. This will go live in January. Total capital expenditure this year will be around £3.5m. The company also expects to spend around £150,000 on staff training.
The company has recruited a French salesman to help with its ambitions and the sales director is spending more time in Europe, which is currently dominated by three main players, Verallia, Owen Illinois and Arda.

Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

LACK OF GLASS BOTTLE SUPPLY IN SOUTHEAST COASTAL REGION

Glass bottle is a common packaging in our daily life now and the glass packaging enterprises are mainly located in Henan, Jiangsu ,Shandong and Sichuan Province, which is relatively more in quantity than that of Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong and other coastal cities. There’re only several glass packaging enterprises gathering in Foshan, Guangdong Province specialized in cosmetic bottle production now according to marketing database, setting up new office or company specialized in food bottles especially wine bottles in southeast costal region will be a wise move.

Source: glassinchina.com

AUSFENEX2011 OPENS WITH LOOK AT WORLDWIDE TRENDS FOR WINDOWS AND GLASS

This year the Australian Glass and Glazing Association and the Australian Window Association joined together for their first Ausfenex, which covered a range of topics, from energy efficiency to "cyclones" and windows.
The conference opened September 22 with a presentation from Jorma Vitkala, chairman of the Glass Performance Days organizing committee/Glaston Finland Oy, who spoke on "Worldwide Glass & Window Trends." Vitkala covered a range of industry changes, ranging from international business practices to solar glazing.

The global glass market, he began, was approximately 52 million tons in 2010. Much of this, Vitkala said, is coming from China, as more than half the world's float lines are there. He explained that building stock in china is 43-46 billion square meters. In terms of glass, the highest investment there is in coatings; low-E and solar control demand in China will see significant increases in the next few years. "The whole façade is like one big TV screen," he said, explaining that these are constructed with LEDs inside a glass unit. "Another newcomer in LED technology is using it to change the color of glass." Also talking about color, Vitkala said architects use PVB laminated glass to create colorful façades that are also constructed as safety glass. Talking further about glazing trends, Vitkala noted that energy-saving façades also are becoming increasingly important; printing on glass, which can also help with solar control; electrochromic glazing; and free-form architecture. By 2020 it's expected that 900 million square meters of glass will be used in solar applications.

Source: http://www.usgnn.com

SPECIAL, CURVED GLASS SCREENS FOR APPLE AND COMPETITORS

The thai website DigiTimes reports that Apple and competitors are preparing to launch mobile devices with touch covers and screens made of a special curved glass starting next year.
It is reported that the main manufacturers of special glass screens, among these also some of Apple’s suppliers, are gearing up with next-generation machinery and systems for this type of product and processing. According to rumors on the web, Apple has already bought approximately 300 glass cutting machines. It is also reported that Corning debuted their curved Gorilla Glass at the last Computex show in Taipei.

Source: Glass in it style

GLOBAL LOW-E GLASS MARKET: ASIA OFFERS POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES

The report analyzes the residential low-E glass market of major European countries like Germany, the UK, France and Italy. Asian Markets like Japan, South Korea and India are comprehensively covered in the report. The various drivers and the challenges faced by the market and competitive aspect of the market are also highlighted in the report. Globally utilization rate of low-E glass is highest in the US followed by Europe. In Europe, low-e glass market has almost doubled in terms of volume over the period 2005-2009 due to compulsory energy efficiency regulations and standards. The utilization rate of low-E glass in 2009 was highest in Germany followed by the UK, France and Italy. Most of the Asian regions are untapped; therefore the Asian market provides tremendous growth opportunities. South Korea is the most developed market among the Asian countries in terms of consumption of low-E glass.
Another important aspect covered in this report is commercial glazing market. Low-E glass penetration in commercial glazing witnessed a consistent rise over 2000-2009 due to growing environmental concerns globally and the resultant emphasis on the construction of energy efficient buildings. Triple glazing is also gaining importance in construction due to recent regulatory changes in many countries. Low-E glass manufacturers are fragmented with major players operating in this industry include Guardian Industries, Saint-Gobain, Asahi Group.

Source: Research and Markets - For more information visit www.researchandmarkets.com >>

RUSSIA: A NEW PLANT TO PRODUCE ABOUT 800,000 UNITS OF AUTOMOBILE GLASS

Trakya Cam Sanayii, a Turkish glass maker, and Compagnie de Saint-Gobain will sign an agreement to build a joint plant in Russia to produce about 800,000 units of automobile glass annually, in addition to their joint flat glass investment.

Source: The Moscow Times

PGG, PLEOTINT TO CO-MARKET ENVIRONMENTALLY ADAPTIVE GLAZING TECHNOLOGY WITH LOW-E GLASS

PPG Industries (NYSE: PPG) and Pleotint, LLC, have agreed to jointly market a commercial window glass system that combines Sunlight Responsive Thermochromic, or SRT(TM), interlayer technology by Pleotint, with SOLARBAN(R) low-emissivity (low-e) glass and other glasses by PPG to control solar heat gain and reduce energy costs in buildings.

Pleotint’s patented technology is a lightly tinted thermochromic interlayer that warms up and darkens in direct sunlight, but clears in indirect sunlight to allow light to pass into a building. Laminated between two lites of glass, SRT interlayer may be used monolithically or within an insulating glass unit. Visible light transmittance (VLT) for windows with SRT interlayer adjusts through the day without the need for wiring, power supplies or controls.

Source: www.ppg.com

THE SAINT-GOBAIN SOLAR'S FIRST MANUFACTURING FACILITY IN NORTH AMERICA

The facility will supply primarily the domestic market and will eventually produce millions of square feet of solar mirrors for thermal power station technologies (concentration towers, linear Fresnel lenses, etc.).

This investment complements Saint-Gobain's current solar mirror production base, which includes a parabolic mirrors plant in Portugal and a flat mirrors facility in Germany.

Source: www.prnewswire.com/

NEW DOW CORNING® PV-8007 NEUTRAL SEALANT HELPS IMPROVE PV MODULE MANUFACTURING, REDUCE OVERALL COST OF OWNERSHIP

The new Dow Corning® PV-8007 Neutral Sealant provides unique, significant bond strength immediately after application. The material is strong enough to hold a standard lightweight junction box in place with no tape or other additional assembly aids. This helps shorten the manufacturing production cycle time for photovoltaic (PV) modules – and reduces the overall cost of ownership.

The high-performance silicone adhesive/sealant is an effective alternative to traditional adhesive tapes and one-part RTV products in sealing, framing, and protecting PV module components, as well as for bonding and protecting junction boxes.

Source: Dow Corning

ITALIAN GLASSWORKING MACHINERY GAINS MOMENTUM

On July 20, the Gimav Board (Italian Association of Glassworking Machinery and Accessories Suppliers) approved the official 2010 figures for the industry, which reflected an overall growth for all the indicators. Exports (+5.58% versus 2009) show that the sector is making up for lost ground, especially as a result of demand from Europe and Asia, with China ranking first among the export markets for Italian goods. In just a few years, the markets of Italian companies in the industry have changed with Asia and Latin America growing significantly as they are the countries offering greater prospects for development. Dino Fenzi, President of Gimav, gave a snapshot of exports by the industry: "The great driving force of the new markets, headed by China, has been decisive in the vigorous pickup in exports. Europe still remains very important in percentage terms, but its importance is faltering, as is all of the western European manufacturing sector, apart from some niches of excellence. This is a long-term trend and a better balance needs to struck achieved for the health of the European industry."

In 2010, the only segments of the Italian economy with a positive trade balance were furniture and clothing (+22.5 billion Euros) and machinery and mechanical equipment (+37.7 billion), proof that the machinery sector is more dynamic than the economy overall. This trend has been confirmed by the industry of glassworking machinery, accessories and special products, as Gimav Director Renata Gaffo pointed out: “The growth process is well underway and we can say the turnaround in the trend versus the very difficult past 2 years has already kicked in. The glass sector is definitely by nature one of the last rings in the production chain: when considering the two main consumption markets, buildings and furniture, we know that purchases of glass for windows, doors and interiors are decided on once the buildings has been completed or sold. This fact, added to the continuing situation of ups and downs in the market and the credit crunch, means that for our sector the difficulties suffered in 2008 and 2009 were concentrated in 2009, and with a slower and weaker recovery in 2010."

Although the market is an alternation of very buoyant activity and stagnant demand and despite the fact that the sector is still far from returning to its record 2008 growth rates, Gimav confirmed positive results for first semester 2011 as well.

Working together with leading international and local institutions to become an important contact for businessmen overseas, is one of Gimav’s main activities. The Association has now decided to give even more impetus to this commitment also because of the rapidly changing scenario. As Dino Fenzi once again pointed out: "Gimav has become stronger over the years and is accustomed to working out its marketing strategies entirely on its own. Teaming up with an office like ICE (Institute for Foreign Trade) was obviously of great help, but I don’t think that not having this in the short term will cause any major difficulties. On the other hand, I am convinced that six or twelve months from now these functions will be restored, in a different and more streamlined way to fit in better with real modern-day needs, with the cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Development. There was a need for a reorganization, now it will be possible to plan an agency that will be involved in marketing for the good of the country using more updated criteria."

Source: Gimav

WORKSHOP "NEW FRONTIERS OF GLASS. TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION, ADVANCED APPLICATIONS IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN AND STATE OF KNOWLEDGE"

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POMDI LAUNCHES 3NEO, THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY COMPANIES USE AND BUY GLASS-WORKING DIAMOND GRINDING WHEELS AND TOOLS

POMDI's 3NEO technology means only have to replace the worn diamond surface, helping you to minimise the operating costs. 3NEO not only lowers overheads, it also raises productivity, as it makes changeover times 15 times faster than with conventional tools. 3NEO's sophisticated patented locking system holds the shank and diamond ring securely in place whilst in use, but allows to detach them with a simple click when the worn ring needs replacing.

Source: Pomdi

A NEW GLASS-PROCESSING FACILITY IN ASTI

A new glass-processing facility will be constructed near Avir, Vetrerie Astigiane on a surface area of approx. 16,000 sq. m. The facility will sort, crush and ship more than 150,000 glass tons yearly to the nearby glasswork. The project, which is currently being examined by the Town Planning Department, is signed by AMSA, the environmental services company that provides collection and disposal of glass waste in northern Italy.

Source: ATnews.it

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY WITH V-KOOL® 2ND GENERATION FILMS REDUCING UP TO 134KG CO2 PER CAR EACH YEAR

Solutia Inc. (NYSE: SOA), the world's leading manufacturer of solar control, decorative, safety and security window films for aftermarket automotive and architectural applications, announces the advent of 2nd generation spectrally selective solar control films for the global automotive markets under its premium V-KOOL® brand of window films. Constructed using up to 10 layers of sputtered precious rare metals and further fortified with gold, these energy-saving films are capable of rejecting up to 70% of solar energy and over 97% of infrared light, while maintaining the clarity of auto-glass without creating a mirror reflective effect. Independent studies have also shown this multi-layer, heat-reflecting technology can improve fuel efficiency in cars by as much as 3%, translating to reductions in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 134kg, comparable to saving about 11 trees every year.

Source: Solutia Inc. .....read more>>

KONARKA JOINS OTHER COMPANIES TO PRODUCE ORGANIC SOLAR CELLS FOR BIPV

Konarka Technologies, Germany, will join Lapp Kabel GmbH, Bayer Sheet Europe, Bischoff Glastechnik, the Fraunhofer Institute for Wind Energy and Energy System Technology to manufacture organic solar cells for building-integrated applications. On September 7, at a press conference in the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PV SEC) in Hamburg, the companies will discuss their cooperation.

Source: www.solarglazingmag.com

U.S.: SUNPATH PROGRAM TO OPEN UP BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR GLASS INDUSTRY

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced a $50 million investment over two years for the SUNPATH program, aimed to help the U.S. reclaim its competitive edge in solar manufacturing. Scaling Up Nascent PV At Home, or SUNPATH, represents the second solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing Initiative (PVMI) supporting the Department of Energy's (DOE) SunShot Initiative.The program will bring huge business opportunities to the glass and glazing industry, to meet increasing demands, as PV manufacturing takes off, The U.S. lost its foothold in the global PV market drastically over the last few years. As recently as 1995, the U.S. maintained a dominant global solar market share, manufacturing 43 percent of the world's PV panels, according to information from the DOE. However, in steady decline, the U.S. market share shrank to 27 percent by 2000, and to 7 percent by 2010.

Source: USGLASS

CHINESE BUILDING MATERIALS INDUSTRY INCREASED 27 PER CENT IN VALUE IN FIRST HALFF

Based on the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, the gross industrial output value of China building materials industry from January to June was 1.55 trillion yuan. And the growth speed of industrial added value reached 27.2 per cent calculated at fixed price.
The output of plate glass was 380 million weight cases, an increase of 19.1 per cent compared to same time in the past year. Among the fixed investment in Eastern China during January to June, cement products, building technical glass, fiberglass products and reinforced plastics, light building materials, waterproof materials, building stone, nonmetalliferous ore processing and other new low energy-consuming industries accounted for more than 50 per cent.

Source: theengineer.co.uk

RIMAS ACQUIRES SOLAR DIVISION OF VITRODODI GLASS

Rimas Technology Group has acquired the solar business unit of Vitrododi Glass Working Machinery, based in Milan, Italy. The development and production of Vitrododi’s glass washers will be transferred to The Netherlands, where Rimas has its head office.
"The Vitrododi equipment is already part of some of our lines, like projects in Canada and Azerbaijan," says Mark Verstraten, managing director of Rimas. "By taking over Vitrododi Solar, we take the next step in our business development strategy."

Source: Solar Glazing

NIPPON SHEET GLASS : NSG GROUP TO START PRODUCTION OF SOLAR ENERGY GLASS IN CHINA WITH SYP

The NSG Group announces that it has reached agreement with its local partner Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Co., Ltd (SYP) to start production of the Group's NSG TEC™ solar energy products in China, to meet the rapidly increasing demands of the Chinese thin film Solar Energy industry.
The NSG/SYP joint venture facility in Changshu (JSYP) already uses NSG proprietary online coating technology to manufacture Pilkington Energy Advantage™, specialist energy-saving coated products for the Chinese market. This technology will now be upgraded for the manufacture of NSG TEC™ products, with shipments from Changshu expected to begin in January 2012.
The NSG Group currently supplies the many Chinese thin film Solar Energy customers from Japan and the US. The Chinese manufacturing capability will be gradually developed to enable local supply to the Chinese market. The Group expects to increase capacity further in China, with more coating projects under development in response to growing customer demands.
Craig Naylor, President and CEO, commented “The NSG Group is the leading supplier of a full range of TCO products to the global thin film Solar Energy module industry. Consistent with our Strategic Management Plan, we are building on our successful partnership with SYP, and further extending the scope of our Changshu joint venture.
JSYP will now focus on the thin film Solar Energy sector, in addition to making energy-saving products for the mainstream building products industry. We believe that the Chinese thin film solar sector has high growth potential and we already have strong links with the major Chinese thin film customers. This move will enable us to develop those relationships and to provide a high quality local service in China, the world's largest glass market.

Source: www.solar-global.net

AGC LAUNCHES SALES OF BACK-GRINDING SUBSTRATE FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE AND THIN SEMICONDUCTORS

AGC (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.; Head Office: Tokyo; President & CEO: Kazuhiko Ishimura) has announced that it will start sales of a glass substrate used in back-grinding processes to reduce
the thickness of a semiconductor chip. The new substrate is indispensable for producing thin, high-performance semiconductors, leading to slimmer mobile terminals, such as smartphones, with enhanced functionality. With production launched at AGC Electronics Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Fukushima Prefecture), AGC aims to capture a 50-percent share of a market that is forecasted to grow to 10 billion yen by 2014.

Source: AGC

DFI PARTNERS WITH EU MARKET LEADER LISEC CORPORATION

Diamon-Fusion International, Inc. (DFI Nanotechnology), global developer and exclusive licensor of patented hydrophobic nanotechnologies, announced it has partnered with LiSEC Corporation to widen its offering of the DFI Clear-Fusion™ V coating line on LiSEC hydrophobic automatic coating machine, advancing the options for protective coating coverage for all glass manufacturers. 

Utilizing one of DFI's protective coating lines with the LiSEC automated machinery, glass manufacturers can access an automated coating system to provide another effective method for coating glass, while providing a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Source: www.DiamonFusion.com

MOLE MORESCHI: NINETY YEARS OF “GLASS ORIENTED” ACTIVITY

Non-stop innovation, excellent relationship skills, ethics, and responsibility are the company’s winning strengths.

Source:

TAIWAN GLASS HAS BECOME THE LARGEST FLOAT-GLASS MAKER IN MID-WESTERN CHINA REGION

Taiwan Glass Corp set up a plant in Chengdu of Sichuan province, China as early as 2002. Products rolled out from Taiwan Glass`s Chengdu plant are mainly sold to neighboring markets, including Yunan province, Guangxi province, Qinghai province, Xingjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, andKazakhstan. The Chengdu plant currently focuses on the production of energy-saving glass as the China government is greatly promoting energy-saving measures and encouraging reduction in carbon emission.
Taiwan Glass said it has set up four Low-E energy-saving glass production lines in Taiwan, Kunshan of Jiangsu province, and Chengdu of Sichuan province. The Chengdu plant is capable of rolling out eight million square meters of Low-E glass per year.

Source: Taiwan Glass

REVOLUTIONIZING THE LAMINATION MARKET

The new laminating tunnel by Lisec to produce batches of laminated glass every 45/60 minutes.

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ENERGY SAVINGS INSIDE AND OUT

From a photovoltaic station on the roof of its main premises to its air conditioning systems and the machinery it produces: here is Bottero’s green philosophy.

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HIGH-PERFORMANCE POWER, MINIMUM ENERGY CONSUMPTION

These are the distinguishing features of Schiatti Angelo’s machines with Class IE2 energy-efficient motors.

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PROLIFE ECO PROJECT: A GREEN PHILOSOPHY APPLIED TO TECHNOLOGY

The first to use IE2 motors - since 2009. How Adelio Lattuada transforms corporate responsibility into tangible, sustainable progress.

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GIMAV WILL BE AT GLASSBUILD AMERICA ATLANTA (UNITED STATES) FROM 12 TO 14 SEPTEMBER 2011

Gimav - Italian Association of Glassprocessing Machinery and Accessory Suppliers, has been attending the event for many years with the group participation of its members on a 900 sq.m. space.
Attendance at industry exhibitions, an activity that Gimav has always promoted, is what Italian companies are betting on to get through these rough times for the entire sector.
The support offered by Gimav allows companies to play an active role in the busy calendar of international exhibitions which are important to meet up with buyers from across the globe.
The next appointment will be Vitrum , the large-scale international event for the glass industry slated for 26-29 October in Milan. For 4 days, Milan will be the worldwide capital of the sector, with a special focus on energy saving technologies and exploiting renewable energy sources, and a privileged stage for all Gimav member companies .
The association will be at Zak Glass Technology International in Mumbai (8 – 11 December).

Source: GIIS - GIMAV

EXPORTS ARE DRIVING THE RECOVERY, WHILE IMPORTS ARE ALSO CLIMBING

The data presented by GIMAV at its annual meeting illustrates the year’s performance for hollow and flat glass.

Source:

ROLLTECH CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Established in 1986, the world’s leading manufacturer of warm-edge profiles celebrates its 25h anniversary this year. Rolltech is known around the globe for developing the top technology in stainless steel profiles, including the launch of a third generation product -- the revolutionary Chromatech Ultra, which combines stainless steel and polycarbonate in a single structure. In 2001 it joined with the Italian Alu-Pro and, along with Fenzi, created the Glass Alliance network to offer glass manufacturers around the world all the products they need to produce insulating glass.

Source: Fenzi S.p.A. Newsletter

PHOTOVOLTAIC TRENDS IN ITALY, THE 4TH ENERGY ACCOUNT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECONDARY MARKET

The new law curtails incentives but also sets the growth targets (23 GW installed by 2016) and conditions that could impact the industrial development of the sector, especially from 2012 on. According to Luca Dentis - Project Finance Centrobanca – the first indication is that a strong reduction in fees and new restrictions on the construction of ground-mounted PV installations bigger than 1 MW reflect a clear move away from any further planning of ground-mounted installations, whereas incentives for the widespread development of medium to small size rooftop installations definitely remain interesting. The law has expressly made some exceptions however, which leave room for the development of promising market niches over the coming months and primarily:
• ground-mounted installations built on industrial or commercial sites, waste treatment areas, abandoned landfills or waste dumps or contaminated sites. Tens of thousands of hectares of surface areas meet these requirements and can therefore host - and are approved under the law – large ground-mounted facilities, following the example of the 85 MW facility built by SunPower in Montalto di Castro (VT), over 2009 and 2010 on a 285 hectare area;
• installations, even on a large scale, on government buildings and areas.
Based on forecasts by producers and installers directly contacted by Centrobanca, installation costs are expected to fall: from the current €2.5-2.6 million/MW to between €1.9 and 2.1 million/MW in first semester 2012.

Source: CENTROBANCA

DURALUX SOLAR COATINGS, A SHOW STOPPER AT GLASSBUILD AMERICA 2011

The new range of solar coatings by the Fenzi Group is bound to steal the scene at the Atlantabased show taking stage from 12 to 14 September. The complete range of Duralux Solar Coatings for solar mirrors, developed and tested to meet the highest durability and wear tests for solar thermal systems, will enjoy pride of place among the most innovative products signed by the leading manufacturer of chemicals for glass reprocessing. These innovative coatings have been developed to ensure extraordinary chemical resistance to corrosion and UV radiation, the best performance when exposed to thermal and environmental stress and optimal resistance to abrasion. The development of this type of applications for exploiting renewable energies is increasingly drawing the attention of professionals in the industry. As highlighted in the second Solar
Symposium organized jointly by GANA and ASTM International at Baltimore at the end of June, the solar industry is the only sector featuring growth in the employment rate in North America, creating more jobs per megawatt than any other energy source. From 2010 to 2011 jobs in the solar industry grew 26% and solar energy demand is expected to grow 191% worldwide from 2009 to 2013 and by as much as 500% in North America. Such a staggering growth potential necessarily calls for suitable products and technologies.
Speaking at the Baltimore Conference, Dino Fenzi, President of the Fenzi Group, emphasized that it will be impossible to tap into this profitable business opportunity without quality products with higher-than-average performance. Referring to CSP mirror coatings, Dino Fenzi underlined the need for producing top performing products. When installed in deserts, these special mirrors are exposed to the elements for decades: “It thus becomes imperative to ensure high durability standards, otherwise they will fail in these applications with loss of the investments made”. The solar industry cannot compromise on quality and coatings, which, if adequately applied and treated, can protect mirrors from numerous common problems and thus contribute to the efficacy of the technology applied. And this is exactly the area where the Fenzi Group has decided to expend its research efforts. Duralux Solar Coatings have such innovative characteristics that their specific tests required new reference parameters, which Fenzi worked out jointly with the industry leaders.

Source: FENZI SpA

MARKETS FOR LOW IRON GLASS AT $1.5 BILLION IN 2010 ARE EXPECTED TO REACH $3.8 BILLION BY 2017

Photovoltaic (PV) low iron glass represents 3% of world glass production.. Growth is expected to achieve marked improvements in these ratios with low iron glass coming in at 15% of total glass production in 2020, i.e. the same level as automotive glass.
Low iron glass market growth is tied to solar market growth. Glass vendors are emerging as experienced and innovative partners for solar plant operators. Float glass plants are designed for PV glass for thin film and solar panels. Vendors are emerging that are dedicated to the production of PV thin film glass. Government subsidies are, above all, the key growth factor driving demand in the solar market. Although there is local variation, in the aggregate, subsidies are expected to continue and increase.

Source: “Low Iron Solar Glass Market Shares, Strategies, and Forecasts, Worldwide, 2011 to 2017” by WinterGreen Research

SEMI-TRANSPARENT SOLAR GLAZING PANELS DEVELOPED BY OXFORD RESEARCHERS

Oxford Photovoltaics. have developed thin-film, dye-sensitised solar cells that can be printed onto glass and other surfaces.
The glazing panels are semi-transparent, and made in a variety of colours and tints. Oxford Photovoltaics chief executive Kevin Arthur says the manufacturing cost of the product is half that of today’s lowest-cost thin-film technology.
“We’re using the simplest screen printing processes to make a product from readily available, low-cost ‘ingredients’, that can be scaled up quickly on a substrate [glass] that people prefer to use,” Arthur says.

Source: eandt.theiet.org

SAINT-GOBAIN EXPANDS ITS INSULATION BUSINESS IN JAPAN AND RUSSIA

Saint-Gobain plans to build a new glass wool production facility near Osaka in the Kansai region through its local subsidiary Mag-Isover, Japan’s leading insulation manufacturer.
With planned capacity of 60,000 tonnes, the plant is scheduled to come on stream before the end of 2013. Its output will add to the 90,000 tonnes of glass wool currently being produced by the Mag-Isover facilities located near Tokyo in the Kanto region. Saint-Gobain is also pursuing its expansion in Russia, where the Insulation Activity has acquired Linerock, a company based in Tcheliabinsk. Linerock is the Ural region’s leading manufacturer of rock wool products, the most widely used insulation
materials in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
The Linerock acquisition will enable Isover to extend its geographical presence and enhance its product range to become a major player in Russia's fast-growing insulation market.

Source: Saint-Gobain

BOLOGNA STUDENT DISCOVERS THE PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY OF THE FUTURE, AND RECEIVES EU FUNDING FOR HER PROJECT

The European Union has decided to allocate 1.2 million Euros in funding for an all-Italian project on photovoltaic energy.

The studies and research work by Ms. Ceroni won Brussels over. In practice, the intuition of the young student was to use two high-tech materials, silicon nano crystals and dendrimers, to develop next generation photovoltaic cells.
The funded project goes by the name of “PhotoSi”, and looks set to bring advantages in the area of solar energy. In fact, the two elements could offer both economic benefits with fewer materials needed and lower costs, and efficiency, by “capturing”, and therefore “transforming” much more energy.
The goal is to have more efficient panels, without any metals that are potentially toxic and that are less expensive than existing ones.

Source: Corrieere informazione

LOW AND MEDIUM TENSION ABB MODULES FOR A 10.7 MEGAWATT PHOTOVOLTAIC FACILITY IN CORTONA

The Malalbergo 10,500 kW Photovoltaic Park was inaugurated on Saturday 16 July. The facility extends into the town of Cortona in a 26-hectare area bordering with Umbria, near Lake Trasimeno. It is the largest photovoltaic facility in Tuscany and one of the few in Italy to be connected with the national distribution network via a dedicated AT/MT transformation substation.
With 47,916 photovoltaic modules installed, the surface area is able to capture approx. 8 hectares of sunlight and produce about 14,000000 of kWh per year.

Source: BergamoNews

SIEMENS ACQUIRES A SHAREHOLDING IN THE US COMPANY SEMPRIUS

Siemens has acquired a minority 16% share holding in the US company Semprius, a pioneer in photovoltaic energy. Based in Durham, North Carolina, Semprius has developed new HCPV panels, an alternative to traditional photovoltaic panels, that are particularly suited for areas with intense sunlight. Work on the construction of the new production facility begins in July 2011. This investment, a note explained, will offer Siemens early access to a very promising technology for the production of clean solar energy. Siemens will help Semprius bring production of its HCPV panels to an industrial scale.

Source: affariefinaza

SISECAM TO INVEST USD 60 M MORE IN ITS GLASS PLANTS IN BULGARIA

Sisecam, Invest, USD, 60, M, More, Glass, Plants,Turkish industrial giant Sisecam is going to invest USD 60 M more in its production facility for household glass in Bulgaria's Targovishte through its subsidiary, Trakiya Glass Bulgaria.

The new investment will expand the existing household glass production line launched in 2005, and will add a second production line in Sisecam's glass factories in Targovishte, which taken together are the largest glass plant in the Balkans.

Source: www.investbulgaria.com

FLAT GLASS PROCESSING MACHINERY REQUESTED FROM INDIA

Glass processing machinery requested:
- 1/2" to 2inches beveling capacity for 5mm to 19mm glass thick.
- Straight line grinding for 5mm to 19mm glass (size; 2134mm X 3660mm)
- OG Machine to make the glass bevel 3 steps for 10mm to 19mm.

Contact Person:
Mr. Robert Lablu
subarna.g.house@gmail.com
Company:
ARNA GLASS HOUSE Bangladesh

Source: glassglobal.com

DYNAMIC FLOAT GLASS CUTTING WITH UTMOST PRECISION

Bystronic glass underlines its decade-long expertise in glass cutting with the introduction of the speed’cut float glass cutting table onto the market. Thanks to its modular concept, the speed’cut is highly versatile and for example can be used for the cutting of architectural glass during the preprocessing of glass for photovoltaic modules, during the primitive cutting for automotive glass or during the processing of special glasses.
The bridge is significantly lighter than comparable elements in conventional structures and is extremely stable", explains Lorenz Buri. The low weight of the cutting bridge leads to a 20 % reduction in energy use for acceleration and braking. The actual core of each and every cutting table runs along the bridge: the cutting head. This is individually manufactured by Bystronic glass and is processed by hand for each machine

Source: Bystronic glass

INDIAN GLASS: SPECTACULAR GROWTH

Indians are buying more of everything spurring a double-digit growth in demand for materials for these industries, not least glass.
To cope with rising demand, glass manufacturers of the country plan to invest Rs70bn (or $1.6bn) over the next two-to-three years on expansion and upgrading, according to Mukul Somany, the president of All India Glass Manufacturers’ association and the vice-chairman of Hindustan National Glass, one of India’s leading glass producers.
Most of the glass demand in India currently comes from container glass, which accounts for 50 per cent of the country’s glass consumption by value, according to Somany. With a market size of Rs45bn, the bulk of this type of glass in domestically produced and used for alcoholic beverages, food and pharmaceuticals. The other big use of glass in the country, accounting for 40 per cent of the use by value, is in the construction and the automotive industries. And in this segment, demand, arising from the country’s strong growth in the sales of cars and the erection of new buildings, is expected to grow at 15 – 18 per cent over the same period. Saint Gobain, the French glass maker, and Asahi, from Japan, hold 35 per cent and 20 per cent market shares, according to the association

Source: Hindustan National Glass/blogs.ft.com

OVER 830 PARTICIPANTS IN THE 12TH GLASS PERFORMANCE DAYS (GPD) IN FINLAND.

The meeting's purpose was to work with the entire glass industry towards energy-efficient solutions through networking and collaboration.
Keynote Speaker Bruce J. Oreck, US Ambassador to Finland announced “We have a new relationship with energy in the US Government called the League of Green Embassies. We are using high-performance components, including high-performance glass, at embassies around the world. This is a worldwide effort that serves as a showcase at all US embassies.” “72,000 buildings will be retrofitted to reduce energy consumption by 50%.”

Source: giis

GLASS FOR EUROPE DISAGREES WITH THE PROPOSAL TO INCLUDE ALL PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS IN THE SCOPE OF THE WEEE DIRECTIVE

Glass for Europe believes that the treatment of domestic photovoltaic panels should not be regarded as a simple extension of existing domestic electronic equipment. All the more, due to the integration of PV modules within construction, one can actually question the optimistic assumption that legislation would de facto achieve an 85% collection rate as of 2030. Glass for Europe would like to draw the Commission’s attention on the fact that a mere extension of the WEEE Directive to cover other ‘hybrid’ types of products such as PV modules could jeopardise the credibility of this policy instrument by creating many legal and practical difficulties. In the study, the industry appears to be criticised because it has not yet reached a final position on the legal structures required to make an industry led initiative work for an issue that has not yet arisen and is unlikely to become a major issue for the next 10 years. A suitable solution would be for regulators to support and, if deemed appropriate, to advice the industry on its current programmes.

Source: Glass for Europe

2010 MUCH BETTER YEAR FOR CONTAINER GLASS PRODUCTION

Production data 2010 published from the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) (1) show a general recovery from the drop of the previous year. In 2010, the European industry produced 20.7 million tonnes of glass compared to 20.1 million tonnes in 2009 marking an increase of 3.5%.

The biggest increase in production was recorded in Turkey (27%) and United Kingdom (9.5%). In Italy (5.2%), Poland (5.7%) the increase was more important than in Portugal (1.9%), Spain (2.7%) and North & Central countries (1.7%). In Germany the situation was stable (0.2%) as well as in France where a slight decrease was recorded (-0.1%).

Source: FEVE

RUSSIAN GLASS MARKET: CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS AND TRENDS

According to Martynov Zhanna V., general director of the company "VVS" and an expert on foreign trade growth, in 2009 flat glass production exceeded 170 million sq.m, up by 10% over the previous year. Last year, the volume of production exceeded 212 million sq.m, an unprecedented increase of 24.6% that had never been posted before, even during the pre-crisis period. In the first quarter of the current year, Russia produced 52 million sq.m of sheet glass, 12% more than in the same period last year. At the end of 2010, imports of sheet glass increased by 2.3 times, and in the first quarter of the current year by 2.8 times versus the results posted in the same period of the previous year.
In 2009, for the first time the country's exports exceeded import volumes as a result of the reduced demand for flat glass. Last year, exports were higher than imports again but down by 22% over 2009. First quarter 2011 results indicate that import figures were more than double those of exports.
In the bottle packaging sector volumes fell by nearly 16% in 2009. At the end of the year, only 11.33 billion units had been produced compared to 13.5 billion units in the year before. Last year, production of glass containers rose by 10%, totaling 12.5 billion units. First quarter 2011 results show that production amounted to 3.19 billion units, 17% more than for the same period in the previous year. This indicates that the pickup in production of glass containers is still underway, albeit to a much lesser extent than for sheet glass.
In 2010, imports fell to 133.9 million pieces (-26.5%). In first quarter 2011, the fall in imports continued. Glass bottle purchases decreased by 6% versus the same period in the previous year.

Source: www.steklosouz.ru

FUYAO GLASS INDUSTRY GROUP TO BUILD PLANT IN KALUGA FOR PRODUCTION OF AUTOMOTIVE GLASS

Fuyao Glass has signed the relevant agreement with the administration of Kaluga region. According to Vedomosti, the Chinese will invest 200 mln US dollars in the project, while the region will provide utility networks and the infrastructure.
The first stage of the plant will be launched by 1 December 2012, and it is planned to take up the projected capacity of 3 mln sets per year in February 2013. Float glass, a semi-finished product for production of Fuyao Glass will be supplied from Chinese plants. In the future, Fuyao Glass will possibly construct a plant for production of float glass in Russia.
Fuyao Glass will be assigned the status of a resident of the Grabtsevo industrial park and the relevant property and profit tax privileges, the Minister says. Grabtsevo already has such residents as Volkswagen Rus and component manufacturers: YAPP Rus Automotive Systems LLC, Magna Technoplast CJSC.
Fuyao Glass intends to sell its Russian products to AvtoVAZ, Volkswagen and other Russian automakers. The Chinese company currently supplies its glass to Russia. For instance, AvtoVAZ purchase more than 120 thousand sets of automotive glass per year, while Hyundai Saint-Petersburg plant more than 80 thousand sets. Asahi Glass Co., manufacturing automotive glass on Bor Glass Plant in Nizhny Novgorod region will be Fuyao Glass major Russian rival. According to the company, they supply 70% of automotive glass to automakers.

Source: abiz.ru

THE GLASS MACHINERY COMPANY INVESTS OVER 5000 EUROS IN FRATELLI PEZZA

Leading glass processing equipment provider The Glass Machinery Company has recently invested over 5,000 Euros in Fratelli Pezza spares. The substantial investment will enable the company to provide a faster service for national distribution to customers when replacement consumables are required.

The Fratelli Pezza company is recognised across the glass industry for its high calibre range of sandblasting machinery which includes manual semi-automatic and fully automatic sand blasting solutions which come with extensive guarantees. As The Glass Machinery Company is recognized for distributing only the highest quality equipment that offers proven technology for the entire glass industry, it is essential that the company’s support services remain consistent with the quality guarantees of the machinery that is installed. It is for this reason that managing director, Phil Birchall considered the investment in consumables including guns and nozzles as crucial.

Source: The Glass Machinery Company’

RUSSIA: PRODUCTION OF PHARMACEUTICAL GLASS EXPECTED TO START IN THE URALS

The first pharmaceutical glass line in Russia will go on stream by the end of the year in the Sverdlovsk region, as announced by the Minister for the Economy, Mr. Yevgeny Sofrygin, at a press conference in the regional information center of "TASS-Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast”.
"All pharmaceutical glass manufacturing plants in Russia are owned by foreign companies and because of this production is particularly expensive. This is the reason why domestic production will be started in the Ural pharmaceutical district by the end of 2011", concluded Sofrygin.
According to Sofrygin, the project will be submitted to the Russian Prime Minister, Vladimir Putin, in late June.

Source: GIass in it style

BALESTRINI ENTERS INTO CMS INDUSTRIES

CMS Industries and SCM Group are proud to announce the purchase of the well known brand, appreciated as manufacturer of special machines for the solid wood machining for 57 years, in the field of chairs, tables and the like.
Balestrini is now part of CMS Industries, as a consequence of the strong orientation of the Bergamo-based brand to the solid wood machining by special solutions. The attitude with which CMS Industries welcomes Balestrini is the same guiding the
previous acquisitions of the brands that are part of it: to offer all the advantages of a greater corporate dimension, keeping the know-how and the uniqueness of the brand.
Therefore the Balestrini design, production and technical departments keep the positions, managed by Antonio Balestrini, while the synergies of a big group will boost its market position. Moreover the acquisition of Balestrini provides CMS Industries and SCM Group with the opportunity to enlarge their offer in the woodworking market, with mortisers, tenoners, shapers and machining centers whose quality is well-known.

Source: CMS Industries

FENZI GROUP: SUPPLIES OF RAW MATERIALS FOR IG SEALANT PRODUCTION ARE LIKELY TO BECOME DIFFICULT

The leader in chemicals for secondary flat glass processing outlines the situation.
Japan’s devastating earthquake in March is having a very strong impact on the country’s industry and exports. The catastrophe (earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis) has already led to a stoppage in industrial activity at many production sites. In an extremely interconnected world economy, the repercussions of the disaster in Japan are obviously being felt on a global scale. Take for example, the number of Japanese companies that play a fundamental role in the supply chains for the electronics, auto and chemical sectors. The consequences of the earthquake are also being felt in the area of IG sealants with companies finding it difficult to obtain supplies because of the stoppage of the Toray Thiokol production facility in Chiba. This facility produces and caters to approx. 35% of the worldwide demand for polysulphide polymer. Production of the polymer stopped on 12 March and is not likely to resume until July. To make matters worse, there are problems in getting the infrastructures and electricity throughout Japan up and running again and this is deeply affecting the production chain.
Because of the very fact that it is becoming difficult to source various materials, the supply chain for other IG sealants is also feeling the pressure (polyurethane, butyl, silicone and hot-melt). Over the coming weeks therefore, problems are likely to emerge with the sourcing of IG sealants and for this very reason the costs of the products will increase.
Given this complicated situation, Fenzi’s priority is to guarantee supplies to its customers. A sales management policy has been put in place in order to ensure product availability to those who have been using Fenzi products for some time.

Source: Fenzi Group Press office

WORLDWIDE FLAT GLASS MARKET: 2011 EDITION

The global flat glass market has increased in terms of available capacity as well as demand form the past few years, but declined in 2009, mainly due to the global economic recession. In terms of demand, China has been the largest market for flat glass, followed by Europe and North America. China is also the largest flat glass producing region, and is the only country where the demand had not been affected by the global economic recession, that started in late 2007.
With the solar PV market on a rise, the flat glass market is also going to benefit. There has been an increasing demand for energy efficient buildings, which would increase the consumption of glass in buildings and motor vehicles. Also, since the end use markets for flat glass are all highly sensitive to the global economic environments, this makes the flat glass demand correlated to the economic conditions.
The report analyzes the global flat glass market, with focus on regional markets including Europe, Japan, ASEAN, North America, South America, China and Former Soviet Union. The report delves into the factors driving the global demand for flat glass, as well as the recent prevailing trends in the global flat glass industry. The regional competitive conditions, along with the market share of the leading companies have also been given in the report. The report profiles the four largest players, AGC Group, Saint Gobain, NSG Group and Guardian.

Source: www.researchandmarkets.com/

DFI EXPANDS INTO MERCOSUR WITH NEW DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT IN ARGENTINA

Diamon-Fusion International, Inc. (DFI Nanotechnology), global developer and exclusive licensor of patented hydrophobic nanotechnologies, announced today the signing of a new distribution agreement with SUR EXTREMO S.A., one of South America´s leading shower door manufacturers, to expand its global distribution network into key emerging markets. This new agreement provides the Buenos Aires-based manufacturer a new innovative tool to its well-established brand, "Shawer", as a core differentiator among other regional suppliers, along with an added capability to offer all of DFI´s aftermarket products, including the new D-I-Y (Do-It-Yourself) "Clear-Fusion™ V" Kits, among many other new eco-friendlyproducts DFI has recently launched, and will continue to launch, as a leader in surface protective coatings.mercosur shower

Source: Diamon-Fusion International, Inc

SAINT-GOBAIN KEEN TO ESTABLISH SOLAR GLASS COMPLEX

Saint-Gobain Glass India Ltd (SGGI), is keen to establish a Solar Glass Complex with an investment of around Rs 500 – Rs 600 crore. The company is scouting for land, around 60 acres, and the plant is likely to come up in Tamil Nadu or Andhra Pradesh.
The facility will make products like solar glass, solar mirror and thin glass. Since these products have export potential, the company is keen to establish it as an export oriented unit, to come up in a proximity to a sea port as well as sourcing of raw materials. “We would like to export at least 50 per cent of the produce,” Santhanam said.
Sezal’s plant is located in Bharuch district of Gujarat and has a capacity to produce 550 tonne of float glass per day.The modern float glass plant, established with European technology, commenced commercial production in May, 2010. However, since the promoters of Sezal wanted to exit the float glass business, SGGI snapped it up. The Bhiwadi plant is slated to become operational during the first half of 2012. Along with the existing world class complex at Sriperumbudur, near Chennai and the upcoming complex at Bhiwadi in Rajasthan, the acquisition of Sezal’s facility offers a pan-India manufacturing footprint for SGGI.

Source: Saint-Gobain

O-I ACQUIRES REMAINING INTEREST IN ITS BRAZILIAN OPERATIONS

Owens-Illinois, Inc. (NYSE: OI) announced the acquisition of the remaining 21 percent interest in its southern Brazil glass container company, Owens-Illinois do Brasil Industria e Comercio SA (Comercio). The remaining interest was acquired from Monteiro Aranha SA for approximately $140 million (USD) in cash and gives O-I 100-percent ownership in Comercio. O-I expects this transaction to be accretive to 2011 earnings. Comercio´s operations include two plants – one in Sao Paulo and another in Rio de Janeiro. "Brazil represents a major component of our global growth strategy due to its rapidly expanding glass container market, which is one of the largest and fastest growing areas within O-I," said Al Stroucken, O-I chairman and CEO.

Source: O-I

THE DATE FOR GLASSTEC AND SOLARPEQ HAS BEEN FIXED, FROM 23 TO 26 OCTOBER 2012

The next glasstec will be held from 23 to 26.10.2012. This decision was taken at the first meeting of the Advisory Board of the world’s leading trade exhibition for glass. The four-day duration of glasstec from Tuesday to Friday has thus been retained.
Following its premiere in 2010, solarpeq – International Trade Fair for Solar Production Equipment - will also be held parallel to glasstec in 2012. The results of the official visitor survey indicate that the combination of the two exhibitions is expressly welcome.

Source: Glasstec

ROLLMAC: THE FOAM GENERATORS FOR WATER BASED CHEMICALS.

Models Foammix 300 and Foammix 600 have been expressly designed to cater to the textile industry requirements. Their ain features are a sturdy stainless steel frame and the turbines cooling system by means of chilled water circulation. The chemical is fed by screw pumps with variable capacity, driven by A/C gearmotor inverter controlled. The machine electronics, including a last generation PLC, guarantee constant values of foam density and flow capacity and their perfect repeatability. On the operator's panel there's a digital
screen, to display delivery in Kg/h., specific weight of chemical to be foamed, foam weight in gr/lt. and error messages. Three automatic operating modes are available: "normal"; "stand-by" for the waiting time, with chemical inside the machine; "washing" to automatically clean the machine at the work end, or to prime the machine at beginning of production cycle.
The wide experience built so far by specialized users, has taught a lot and suggested to introduce important mprovements that widens the use range and optimize the performances. Pinpointing the technical details, foam generators model Foammix 300 and Foammix 600 are now equipped as standard of:

- inverter to set the turbines rotating speed
The advantages offered by this upgrade are mainly a precise mixing according to the chemicals specs and a further reduction in the microbubbles diameter. This speed variation is a very important parameter with chemicals sensitive to the
mechanical action. With a tendency to coagulate or separate, a low speed is an advantage; on the contrary, an higher speed is better with dense and mix-difficult chemicals.

- an automatic internal ventilation system.
This ventilation system has been added for machines that are operated under high room temperature. It allows a quicker internal heat dissipation, by keeping stable the motor
temperature.

Moreover model Foammix 300 is now mounted on a more compact frame. This new lay-out has been adopted mainly to shorten the chemical circuit, thus to fatherly reduce the waste of chemical at cycle end and water for cleaning.
Smaller dimensions and weight are also an obvious advantage for the logistics. As far as the laboratory mixer model Micromix 070 is concerned, it is now equipped as standard by a new turbine assembly. The new turbine chamber has a total length double than the previous one, and it rotates at an higher speed, for a better mixing and icrobubbles with smaller diameter.

Source: www.rollmac.it

CE MARKING FOR ARGON-FILLED IG

The introduction of energy certification in Italy under European Directives 2002/91/CE and 2006/32/CE is mainly designed to limit thermal issipation in buildings.

Source:

MIR STEKLA 2011, UNVEILED

Before-the-show thoughts on the exhibition and the Russian
market by Macotec, Bottero, Olivotto and Bdf.

Source:

TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN AND CUSTOMIZATION: A VALUE-PACKED COMBINATION

Intermac and ArteLinea, a 15-year partnership for shared success

Source:

MURANO AT HEART, INTERNATIONAL IN BUSINESS

NasonMoretti designs epitomize made-in-Italy worldwide with high value added. They can even be found at the Moma in New York, the Museum of Glass in Coming and the Kunstmuseum in Düsseldorf.

Source:

CHINA GLASS 2011: A SUCCESS STORY

Renata Gaffo, director of Gimav, confirms: the market is booming and the show is now being propelled onto the stage of chart-topping industry events.

Source:

PIEGARESE BUYS FIRST NIS MACHINE IN ITALY

Emhart Glass, the leading global supplier of machinery and equipment to the glass manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce the first purchase of one of its NIS container-forming machines by an Italian client, Vetreria Cooperativa Piegarese.
Vetreria Piegarese is located in Piegaro, close to Perugia in central Italy. The town of Piegaro has a tradition of glass-making glass that dates back to the 13th century. Piegarese itself was founded in 1960, when it boasted the town’s mayor as its first president.
In 2010, Vetreria Piegarese sought a replacement for their IS 8+8 tandem machine. Following careful research, they opted for a ten-section triple-gob NIS machine from Emhart Glass, customised for quad-gob production. Installation is planned for Q3 2011.

Source: Emhart Glass

DISTRICT ATTORNEY REJECTS REMAINING MOTIONS AGAINST VITRO BRANCHES

The Monterey District Attorney’s Office has rejected the motions for insolvency filed by a group of creditors against 9 branches of Vitro. According to the glassmaker’s report which was released through Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), the District Attorney also ruled that the creditors are not entitled to file an involuntary bankruptcy petition. As a result of this resolution, all 17 applications for insolvency lodged by a minority group of creditors will be dismissed.

Source: Glassglobal

GLASS PACKAGING COMPANY O-I INAUGURATES NEW PHOTOVOLTAIC PLANT IN FRANCE

Glass packaging leader O-I has inaugurated its new photovoltaic plant in Béziers, France. Installed and operated by green energy producer Aérowatt, the plant has the annual energy consumption of a town with 2,000 citizens.
The company has set ambitious goals for reducing its energy usage and CO2 emissions, increasing the proportion of cullet (recycled glass) used in its production of new glass, and reducing workplace accidents to zero.
The group has chosen Aérowatt as the provider of photovoltaic panels at its plants. Since last autumn, 10,085 m2 of modules have been installed at Béziers, covering four warehouses, representing a global capacity of 1381.5 kWp to produce green energy and supply the EDF electrical network.

Source: O-I/ecofriendnews.com

LATTUADA: NEW AD CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

A new creative approach in advertising has been undertaken by Lattuada, a company founded in 1978 at Carbonate (province of Como), which specializes in the design and manufacture of glass processing machinery. Throughout 2011 the new ads will be released through various channels and in varying formats (print ads and video clips) in which the company is telling its story about the reasons why a potential client might purchase a Lattuada product, and using tangible figures and verified data as part of the communication.
Each spot will be dedicated to a ‘value’ that will be explained and “documented” through figures that relate, for example, the number of seconds required to carry out a specific maintenance task, the total number of meters processed on average by its machinery, the number of optional add-ons available, the repurchase rate by its customers, etc.
In addition, each ‘value’ will also be accompanied by a captivating ‘cartoon-figure’ video, (produced by the Mediaticamente srl agency) available on the Internet, YouTube, Facebook, and Glass in It Style. In each episode, ‘Mr. Edge’, typical operator of a typical glassworks, will test the strengths and characteristics that set the company apart, to help its clients understand “WHY CHOOSE A LATTUADA”…

Source: Adelio Lattuada

TUBELITE NAMES GLAZ-TECH AS DISTRIBUTOR IN IDAHO, UTAH

Tubelite Inc. announced Glaz-Tech Industries, Inc., has been named as a distributor for the company’s architectural aluminum products, serving clients in Idaho and Utah. Headquartered in Tucson, Ariz., Glaz-Tech is a wholesale supplier and manufacturer of energy-efficiency glass and aluminum products. Operating across the southwestern states for more than 20 years, the company now offers Tubelite’s storefront, curtainwall, entrance and daylight control systems. All of Tubelite’s quality, architectural products are manufactured using EcoLuminum™, a high recycled-content aluminum billet composition featuring environmentally-friendly finishes. In addition to recycled content, Tubelite’s systems and services can help building project teams pursuing certification through the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED® Rating System™ in the areas of daylighting and views, thermal comfort and energy efficiency.

Source: tubeliteinc.wordpress.com

DURAMAX® AS GEAR WHEEL MEASURING MACHINE WITH ROTARY TABLE

With DuraMax® RT Gear, Carl Zeiss has developed a special compact-class gear wheel horizontal-arm measuring machine. Now featuring a rotary table, it fits into any small or large workshop, is suitable for inline process control and thus close to production. A precision system turns the workpiece with the corresponding side facing the stylus. This allows the stylus system to capture, e.g. the geometry of the gear wheel in a simple process without having to repeatedly travel to a new position. The added flexibility for users is one of the key properties of DuraMax® RT Gear: the rotary table can be freely positioned on the measuring plate and removed later in just a few steps. DuraMax® RT Gear can therefore be flexibly used as a universal measuring machine when other jobs arise. Additional features include its suitability for rough production environments, the proven and innovative ZEISS measuring software, the small footprint and the low power consumption.

Source: Carl Zeiss/zeiss.de

KOREA: IMPACT ON THE ECONOMY AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE IN JAPAN AND THE CRISIS IN LIBYA

Just a month after the earthquake in Japan and the ongoing crisis in Libya, the first short-term effects on the Korean economy are beginning to be seen.
The initial consequences are appearing on importation of materials and components from Japan, for which Japan itself is the primary supplier, such as components for Korea’s electronics, automotive and shipbuilding industries. Japan, by itself, supplies the global market with 60% of the silicone wafers that are used in the manufacture of solar panels. Since Korea is one of Japan’s competitors in the semiconductor, steel and automotive sectors, even if it derives some advantage in the short term from the closing of Japanese plants, in the long term, the situation would have a negative impact on the manufacturing industry. Primary cause is the suspension of production of raw materials like products made of plastic and glass, and especially materials for LCD panels.
Libya, on the other hand, is the third largest market (in terms of size), for Korean manufacturers, generating revenues of approximately $36 billion US over the last 30 years. Korea primarily exports ships and automobiles to Libya, while Libya supplies heating and crude oil. The economic damage ensuing from the recent crisis is expected to mount to approximately $18.7 million US.

Source: Corea Newsletter

GIMAV WILL ATTEND CHINA GLASS 2011

From 11 to 14 May 2011 Gimav will be present at China Glass 2011, the 22nd annual International Exhibition that is held in Beijing in even-numbered years and in Shanghai in odd-numbered years.

Sectors: flat and hollow glass

GIMAV is the Association of Italian manufacturers and suppliers of machinery, equipment and special products for glass processing. Set up in 1980 by a small group of businessmen, Gimav plays a fundamental role in the entire glass industry both nationally and internationally. As a member of Confindustria, Federvarie and Federmacchine, during its 25 years of activity, Gimav has considerably strengthened its representative presence in the entire glass processing industry and now plays an indispensable role in relations with all private and public institutions. The sales volume of GIMAV member companies, accounts for approx. 80% of the industry's total turnover and for 77% of total exports by Italian manufacturers of machinery, accessories and special products for glass processing.

As a result of its efficacious and creditworthy activities, the Association enjoys the outstanding loyalty of its members, whose number has been growing steadily over the years. The first members were later joined by large industrial groups and, above all, by small and medium-sized companies which are the true face and the backbone of the industry. The importance of each participant, mutual respect and the fact that everybody is given the opportunity to participate and contribute to the Association's political and management decisions have spawned a cohesive group with a strong international nature.

Source: Gimav Exhibitors Catalogue >>

OMNIDECOR PARTNERING WITH GIULIO TANINI MATERIALS FOR MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2011

Omnidecor has participated in Fuorisalone in partnership with Giulio Tanini Materials, a leader in the field of architecture and interior design.
Tanini Group chose Omnidecor as partner to present and explore the use of glass as covering material, leveraging Omnidecor’s acknowledged experience and highly-specialized technological know-how.
This is a major tribute to Omnidecor, consistently sensitive to market requirements and proactive in the offering of innovative solutions, both in terms of glass processing techniques and in creative and stylistic interpretation.
For the Tanini Group showroom, Omnidecor set up an entire wall with a selection of glass from Decorflou and Decorflou Design, Decorgem and Decorgem Design collections, enriched by evocative and inspiring images demonstrating the boundless potential and creative versatility of this material.

Source: PRESS INFO Oikos Associati

MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC INTRODUCES ITS NEW MONOCRYSTALLINE SILICON MODULES

Mitsubishi Electric will be at Solarexpo with some important new products, first among these its monocrystalline silicon panels which join the already tested polycrystalline silicon modules. The Japanese company will be presenting its ultra-new PV-MLT range, 60-cell monocrystalline silicon modules that guarantee enhanced performance. The PV-MLT panels also stand out for their high-tech content: 4 bus bars, lead-free welding, a special coating for superior light absorption, junction box with 4 protective layers and extremely heat-resistant diodes.

Source: Solarexpo

BRAZIL: NEW €320 MILLION FACILITY FOR AGC

AGC’s investment in Brazil is part of the company’s continued global business expansion in fast-growing markets which is a fundamental pillar in its long-term strategy. Its new premises, slated for completion in 2013 and located in São Paulo state, will produce float glass, mirrors, coated glass, automotive laminated safety and tempered glass. Operating under the name of Agc Vidros do Brasil Ltda, production is expected to reach 220,000 tons of glass per year when the facility is operating at full capacity in 2016.
This production capacity aims to meet market demand in Brazil, which posted a 7.5% increase in GDP in 2010. According to AGC, growth will remain stable over the coming years. This will be fuelled by local construction markets that have been stimulated by government investment programs in the real estate sector as well as upcoming sports events and the automotive market which, at 500,000 vehicles a year, is the world’s fourth market for new cars.

Source: AGC

SAINT-GOBAIN POSTED A STRONGER-THAN-EXPECTED 12.2 PERCENT RISE IN FIRST-QUARTER SALES

Saint-Gobain posted a stronger-than-expected 12.2 percent rise in first-quarter sales, helped by a recovering building sector in Europe and a mild winter.
Saint-Gobain said Asia and emerging countries should continue posting robust growth, while in western Europe a recovery in the new construction and renovation markets should continue.
In North Amercia, industrial markets should see "brisk trading", but conditions in the construction sector remained "challenging". However, there should be signs of improvement by year-end.
"The volume upturn is now also driven by the rebound in residential construction and renovation markets in Europe, amplified by much better weather conditions than in first-quarter 2010," said CEO Pierre-Andre de Chalendar.

Source: Routers

OPTIMA ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW BRANCH IN CHINA

Optima Italy has announced the opening of an autonomous branch for the Chinese market.
The new company, Optima (Tianjin) Co. Ltd. will manage relationships with end customers, as well as technical support systems Optima.
The international vocation of Optima has taken place over the years with the opening of foreign branches, to better meet the diverse and complex needs of individual markets.

The current structure of the Optima Group is as follows:

• Optima Software S.L. (Spain)
• Optima North America Inc. (USA and North America)
• Optima (Tianjin) Co. LTD

Source: Optima S.r.l.

DUMPED CHINESE GLASS PUSHES INDUSTRY TO BRINK

DANDENONG glass factory workers last week joined a fight against illegal 'dumping' of cheap Chinese-made products. The Australian Workers' Union visited Viridian in Greens Road, Dandenong South, last Tuesday as part of its campaign against Chinese exportation of hundreds of thousands of tonnes of cheap Chinese glass to Australia, a practice known as dumping. The AWU believes the imports - which cost less than glass manufactured in Australia - breach the World Trade Organisation's free trade rules and put Australia's glass industry at risk. A national round table on dumping will be held this week, which is expected to include senators Nick Xenophon and Bob Katter. Viridian general manager Steve Choat is also expected to attend.

Source: Glass Magazine

BENEQ PAVING THE WAY FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS IN INDIA

During a recent visit to Finland, Indian Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Mr Farooq Abdullah, met Finnish Minister of the Environment, Mrs Paula Lehtomäki, together with Cleantech Finland officials and member companies, including Beneq.
Minister Farooq Abdullah opened the meeting by emphasizing his interest in solutions that Cleantech Finland member companies have for the most important energy questions facing India. India´s consumption of energy is today the fifth largest in the world, exceeding own production by 12.7%. Rapid domestic economic and population growth will keep the need for energy growing in the future, and so the challenge is how to increase both energy production and energy efficiency. Another major challenge is the restricted availability of electrical power; more than 400 million Indians have no access to electricity. The situation is most serious in scarcely populated areas. In addition, there are frequent interruptions in local electricity distribution, due to poor condition of the power grid.
Answering the call, Cleantech Finland member companies offered concrete solutions for India’s energy challenges. Mr Sampo Ahonen, CEO of Beneq, advocated solar energy as an energy source in areas where electricity is not available at all. In these areas, access to electricity during the daytime would already be a major improvement, and the solar radiation values in India are among the highest in the world. Beneq delivers coating equipment for improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells.According to Mr Matti Rae, Director of New Technologies at Ensto, the solution to electricity distribution reliability and electric network functionality is Ensto’s smart grid expertise.

Source: Beneq glassglobal

GLASWELD ADDS AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTOR

GlasWeld in Bend, Ore., announced the appointment of GlasWeld Australia Pty. Ltd. as its exclusive distributor for all GlasWeld products in Australia. GlasWeld Australia Pty. Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cleveland Tungsten (Aust) Pty. Ltd. and is located in Revesby, Australia. Sales and marketing for the distributorship will be managed by Garry Sylvester, who previously managed a national call center sales force for Belron and worked for NGS Glass as a national accounts representative.

Source: USGlass

GLASS FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY AND SOLAR HEATING:NEW INCENTIVES IN JUNE. 8,000 MW PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER CAPACITY FOR ITALY IN 2011

Interwiev to Professor Gianluca Gatto, a researcher at Cagliari University’s Department of Electrical and Electronic
Energy. The department has been conducting research into renewable energies in team with the Department of
Architecture for some time now.

Source: Glass in IT style n. 7 ...read the article>>

THAILAND AND THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY AND LAOS OPPORTUNITY

Thailand is, indisputably, the number one country for automobile production in Southeast Asia. Each year, nearly 2 million vehicles are manufactured (in comparison to Germany’s approx. 5-6 million). That is more than, for instance, Italy, where Ferrari and Fiat are manufactured.
For most Western companies, Laos is still a blank spot on the map. Other than two Mercedes branches and several investors in niche markets, Central Europeans stand out more for their lack of presence, despite the fact that since the start of the new century, Laos has shown regular growth of between six and eight percent, which is a very solid level of economic development.

Source: Glass in IT style

JELD-WEN SUES FOUR GLASS MANUFACTURERS, ALLEGES PRICE-FIXING

Jeld-Wen Inc. has filed suit against four primary glass manufacturers, AGC Flat Glass North America, Guardian Industries, Pilkington North America and PPG Industries, alleging that the defendants “contracted, conspired or combined to fix, raise, maintain or stabilize prices of, and allocate business for, flat glass they sold in the United States during the claim period,” January1, 2002, through at least December 31, 2006. The complaint was filed on March 28 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon.
The complaint goes on to allege that “in a notice of class action settlement dated February 16, 2011, Jeld-Wen was notified of proposed settlements by the class action plaintiffs with the defendants.” As a member of the proposed settlement classes, Jeld-Wen chose to opt out of the proposed settlement and pursue its own claims against the defendants. Jeld-Wen alleges that “the defendants and their co-conspirators engaged in a continuing contract, combination or conspiracy in unreasonable constraint …” Jeld-Wen’s complaint alleges the defendants sought to “raise, fix, stabilize or maintain at artificially high and non-competitive levels the prices of flat glass sold in the United States and allocate business for flat glass.” The complaint goes on to say that because of these alleged actions Jeld-Wen “was deprived of the benefits of free and open competition in the purchase of flat glass and price competition among defendants in the sale of flat glass was restrained, suppressed and eliminated.”

Source: Glassglobal

CORNING SAYS JAPANESE GLASS PRODUCTION TO CONTINUE

Corning says Japanese glass production to continue
Corning will maintain production levels at its two Japanese plants despite a temporary LCD television panel production cut at Sharp Corp.

The glassmaker said Friday that it was told by Sharp that there would be a significant cut in production for a period of time, with Japanese manufacturing still reeling from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that damaged assembly and parts-making factories.

Corning said it will keep making LCD glass to replenish inventories and provide glass to other regions. The company said it will give additional details on production when it announces first-quarter results on April 27.

Shares of Corning Inc., based in Corning, N.Y., rose 5 cents to $20.25 in premarket trading Friday.

Source: businessweek.com

QUANTUM GLASS™ OFF PRESENCE AT MILANO SALONE DEL MOBILE

From Tuesday 12th to Sunday 17th April, on the fringe of the Milan Furniture Show, Material Matters will bring together the latest innovations in leather and technological glass to showcase French expertise in innovation and excellence.
Nine pioneering, hybrid objects incorporating a range of different types of active glass – each an original and sensitive vision whose designers have applied their skill in making a hi-tech product communicate on an emotional level.
This completely new, hybrid and pioneering approach to the object gives this innovative glasswork a sensitive and familiar dimension. Nine innovative products, nine original and sensitive visions, giving this innovative glasswork a familiar and instinctive dimension.

Cocktail party on Wednesday 13th April from 9pm to 11pm

Source: QUANTUM GLASS

LONGHORN GLASS RESTARTS PRODUCTION AFTER $40M UPGRADE

Longhorn Glass Inc. will be back in full production after completing a $40 million upgrade and expansion to its Houston bottle manufacturing facility.
The company's main customer is the Houston brewery of St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch.
The Houston-based glass plant now has one of the fastest glass-forming machines in the world. The overhaul allows Longhorn to increase production to 700 bottles per minute from 600 bottles per minute on one of its lines. That translates into a maximum capacity of 17 million bottles a week, up from 15 million prior to the expansion and upgrade. The factory stopped production on Jan. 24 and began a staggered start-up on March 20 before a complete return to full production.

Source: Houston Business Journal

FIRST SOLAR OUTLOOK BRIGHTENS WITH NEW ARIZONA PLANT

First Solar recently announced plans to build a solar module factory in Mesa, Ariz. The factory will boost First Solar’s annual production capacity by more than 250 MW when completed around the third quarter of 2012.
First Solar competes with other solar industry players like SunPower, Suntech Power and Yingli Green Energy Holding. We have a price estimate of $155 for First Solar’s stock, which is roughly in line with the stock’s market price.

Source: Forbes

JAPAN - SALE OF NASHVILLE GLASS PLANT COMPLETED

Japan-based Central Glass Co. has completed its acquisition of the Nashville Glass Plant in Nashville. Central Glass completed its transaction with plant owner Zeledyne Friday. Terms of the deal, first announced in January, were not released.The glass plant is a massive $1.85 million-square-foot facility. The deal also includes a Zeledyne’s Carlite distribution center in Lebanon. Some 600 employees work at the facilities, and now work for Carlex Glass America, a subsidiary of Central Glass Company.

Source: bizjournals.com

JUDGE DECIDES TO DELAY RULING ON POSSIBLE INVOLUNTARY BANKRUPTCY FOR VITRO SUBSIDIARIES

A federal bankruptcy ruled Friday that he will decide at a later, unknown date whether subsidiaries of Mexico-based glass manufacturer Vitro SAB will be placed into involuntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The decision came as a court hearing in Fort Worth, Texas, wrapped up on Friday, according to an article in Business Week.
Four Vitro creditors, unhappy with a debt settlement offer, had filed a petition for involuntary bankruptcy in November 2010 against 15 of Vitro's U.S. subsidiaries, including Vitro America, Binswanger Glass Co. and Super Sky Products. Judge Russell Nelms began a hearing March 31 at the request of creditors, and concluded the hearing on April 1 with the decision to make a later ruling.

Source: Business Week

TAIPEI - TAIWAN GLASS INVESTS IN ENERGY-SAVING GLASS PLANT

Seeing the promising business opportunities generated from Chinas` energy-saving market, Taiwan Glass Group will invest US$138 million to establish an energy-saving glass plant in Wuhan of Hubei province, China.
The proposed plant will have an annual capacity of 10 million tons of energy-saving glass, as well as being the group`s first investment in central China.
Chairman P.F. Lin said his group also plans to invest in an energy-saving plant in Taiwan`s Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, adding that energy-awareness is rising in China. Taiwan Glass will build the Hubei plant on 500 to 600 acres in two phases, with the group to invest US$48 million in the first-phase construction and another US$90 million in the second.

Source: CENS

GULF GLASS 2011: A NEW INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS FOR THE GLASS ALLIANCE PRODUCTS

The Glass Alliance products’ show, which just wrapped up in Abu Dhabi, received a warm welcome. The Glass Alliance international network, comprised of Fenzi, Alu-Pro, and Rolltech, markets and distributes worldwide everything needed to produce I.G. systems.

The Middle Eastern market, recovering as the rest of the world from a slowdown in investments because of the worldwide crisis, has good growth prospects for the coming years. This market showed a particularly strong interest in Chromatech Ultra’s warm-edge technology, a steel and polycarbonate spacer developed by Rolltech for high-performance I.G. units. This technology is durable and stable, and truly essential to optimize the buildings’ energy efficiency.

The products showcased at the fair by Glass Alliance - aluminum Alu-Pro spacers, eco-friendly Fenzi sealants, warm-edge Rolltech spacers, paints for mirrors and decorative paints for Fenzi glass – effectively meet the needs of a market increasingly aware of the issues related to environmental sustainability as well as safety and health, key themes of the 2011 Gulf Glass show. In fact, in the Middle East, the construction sector, whose annual growth rate was estimated at around 20% from 2010 to 2013, will also benefit from the many hi-tech architectural projects in the works in the coming years. These projects are characterized by flawless design and refined materials.

Thanks to the excellent technological performance of the products, in terms of both strength and compatibility with the environment, the Glass Alliance network will thus be a key player in the growth of the local glass industry expected by industry professionals to come about in the next few years.

Source: Fenzi Group

THE RUSSIAN GLASS MARKET RESEARCH

In February 2011 DISCOVERY Research Group finalized the Russian glass market research.Among the manufacturers it is possible to distinguish 6 major players, whose general share in manufacture, by our estimates, makes more than 90 %: OJSC AGC Bor Glassworks, JSC Saratovstroisteklo, JSC Salavatsteklo Ltd., Pilkington Glass, OAO AGC Flat Glass Kleen LLC, Guardian Glass Ryazan.
Among the major trends in the Russian flat glass market it is necessary to mention large companies’ transition to a more progressive float-production technology. At present the Russian glass market follows a trend to involve foreign capital, in particular, Turkish and Japanese investors are being actively attracted now.
Thus, now in the Russian glass market there is some stabilization in comparison with the crisis time. Nevertheless, according to experts’ opinion, current profitability of the flat glass manufacturing is close to zero.

Source: www.glassbranch.com

NELBRAN GLASS ACQUIRED BY LAZARUS CAPITAL PARTNERS

Lazarus Capital Partners said it has purchased the retail division from owner Larry Striplin of Birmingham for an undisclosed sum and will now operate the business, according to a news release.
The 68-year-old NelBran provides commercial glass, automotive windshields, windows and mirrors, framed mirrors, glass shelving and other specialty glass.
Lazarus Capital Partners, also based in Birmingham, is a private equity fund manager, which targets manufacturing, distribution and service businesses in the Southeast for acquisition.

Source: Birmingham Business Journal

GLASS IN IT STYLE, INFORMATION FOR THE GLASS TRADE NOW ON I-PHONE

Mediaticamente presents the new channel for Iphone by Glass in IT style.
In an intent to be more multimedia than ever, the Glass in it style magazine by Gimav – originally in paper format – has chosen to make the “virtual” resources of technology “concretely” available to the glass industry.
From the expertise of the Mediaticamente agency which publishes the magazine and specializes in multimedia communication, all the news in the Glass in it style portal can now be viewed on iPhone.
To download the apps just open iTunes and news from the glass industry will be just a click (tap of the finger) away, anytime and anywhere. The application provides detailed updates from the flat and hollow glass industry worldwide, spanning from technology to news on glass processing machinery, products and accessories. In Italian and English.

The next issue of Glass in it style, due out on 28 March, contains reports on the market and prospects for hollow and flat glass; a preview of China Glass and an article on 30 years by the Fenzi Group in China. A section looks at finest offerings in glass tableware through the experience of Rcr Cristalleria Italiana from Colle di Val d’Elsa (Siena) and the companies that have contributed to its success. As well as articles on glass-related projects, accessories and news, all strictly Made in Italy.

Source: Mediaticamente

CAMBRIDGE STUDY: ENERGY SAVING POTENTIAL OF SPD GLASS
SMART BUILDING ENVELOPES

This project looks into the development and performance of new smart technology that helps to reduce excessive energy loads used in buildings. Building physics and the improvement of energy efficiency associated with it is a very important area of engineering research and development in the world today, with 40% of the world’s carbon being consumed in maintaining a comfortable interior environment. One of the most susceptible building facades for high amounts of energy loss is glass, and with modern architectural movements in using glass to create ‘honest’ buildings accentuated by light and space, the use of glass facades is ever increasing.

View entire Paper outlining testing into the Energy Saving Potential of SPD Glass:

Source: Cambridge University SPD SmartGlass Report.pdf

VIDRIOS LIRQUEN JV FLOAT LINE RESUMES PRODUCTION AFTER FEBRUARY 2010 CHILE EARTHQUAKE

Vidrios Lirquén, the NSG Group's float glass joint venture in Chile, has resumed production and has reaffirmed its commitment to the Chilean market.
The Vidrios Lirquén float tank in the Concepción region of Chile has resumed production just over 12 months after being put out of action by the earthquake which struck the region in February 2010. Vidrios Lirquén is jointly-owned by the NSG Group, Saint Gobain and Inversiones Pathfinder.
During the rebuild, which was completed in record time, Vidrios Lirquén was able to organize the appropriate logistics to continue to supply the Chilean market from the other manufacturing sites of its shareholders.

Source: NSG Group

CORNING'S 'FUTURE MADE OF GLASS' VIDEO GOES VIRAL

Coming off an extremely strong fourth quarter, specialty glass maker Corning looked to make a bold statement during its annual investor meeting in February. To showcase the growth opportunities that it envisioned, Corning created a corporate video for investors that provided a sneak peek into its vision of the future of specialty glass.
Daniel Collins, a member of Corning's corporate marketing team, told the US Glass News Network that the video features products and concepts that are in various stages of development.
John Mannion, director of client relations for Corning agency Doremus, told Marketing Daily that the video was not intended to be a viral hit – it was simply meant to inspire investors.
As of the publishing of this article, the video has more than 9.4 million views, making it the most watched corporate video ever.

Source: Beecher Tuttle - TMCnet Contributor

NSG GROUP ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION OF AUTOMOTIVE GLAZING CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY IN POLAND

Continuing the implementation of its Strategic Management Plan announced in November 2010, the NSG Group announces plans to expand and upgrade the Group's Pilkington Automotive operations in Poland.
The investment involves the construction of a new automotive glazing plant at Chmielow, located in a Special Economic Zone, 30 km south of the Group's existing facilities at Sandomierz. The new plant will be dedicated to the production of windshields, sidelight and backlights for cars and trucks.
This important new investment in our Automotive operations in Poland is intended both to expand our overall capacity in laminated and toughened parts and to enhance our capability to meet increasing demand for value-added products in the Automotive glazing sector”.
The new tertiary operation lines are due to come on stream in mid-calendar year 2011, with the secondary operation lines being commissioned from mid-2012 through to the end of calendar year 2013.

Source: NSG Group

JAPAN - NSG, IMPACT OF THE RECENT EARTHQUAKE

NSG reported that none of its employees are missing or injured. At its Chiba Plant, Ichihara city, Chiba prefecture, the company says it has confirmed that none of the three glass furnaces there sustained any significant damage. “The operations of these three furnaces were suspended immediately after the earthquake, but we are now working on to resume operations one by one,” NSG reported.
As far as NSG’s other sites in the Tohoku (Northern) and Kanto (Eastern) regions, none of its facilities and equipment sustained any significant damage at the sites in the affected regions. Due to power outage, however, some operations are now being suspended at some of these locations. The company adds that there have been damages to glass stock in warehouses and at sites in the affected area.

Source: NSG

IMPACTS OF THE EARTHQUAKE ON THE AGC GROUP’ OPERATIONS

AGC (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.; Headquarters: Tokyo; President & CEO: Kazuhiko Ishimura announces the impacts of the earthquake on the AGC Group’ operations .
Facilities have been heavily affected by the earthquakes and tsunamis. The damage situation in the Tohoku area (northern part of Japan) is very serious, and operations not listed below might also be affected depending on the electrical power supply and lifeline utilities in the region.
Until the operations of AGC Kashima plant resume, AGC will allocate existing inventories and shipments from other AGC Group’s plants in and outside the country and make the utmost effort to prevent a supply shortage of architectural glass.
The impacts of the earthquakes and tsunamis have been limited to small/mid-sized LCD glass substrates, and it is considered that impacts on AGC Group’s overall flat panel display (FPD) business will be limited.

Source: AGC Group

VITRUM 2011: ACCREDITATION PROCEDURES NOW ON-LINE

Registration is officially open for Vitrum 2011, the biennial international trade fair of machinery, equipment and systems for the processing of flat and hollow glass, glass, and finished products for the industry that will take place at the Fiera Milano-Rho complex from October 26th to 29th. Starting this year, it’s possible to complete the enrollment form on line from the fair’s website www.vitrum-milano.it.
Once the accreditation confirmation email with its individualized bar code has been received, participants can use it to pick up their personalized badge at the ticket office when they enter the fairgrounds. “Our primary objectives were to speed up the registration and entrance procedures – explains Renata Gaffo, director of Gimav and Vitrum – we set these goals for the 2011 event in order to respond with greater efficiency to the needs of participants from around the globe”. Exhibitors can use the on-line accreditation process to obtain access to the pavilions during the show and for access during their stand set up and dismantling operations. No more waiting in long lines; but that’s not all. Because, in addition to pre-registration on line, another innovation this year is also the opportunity to purchase custom discounted hotel and travel packages for the finest and most famous Italian destinations, thanks to a special partnership arrangement with the Ventana Business Travel & Hospitality Centre.

Source: Vitrum

ANCAI HI-TECH TO INVEST 460M YUAN IN PV GLASS PROJECT

Henan Ancai Hi-Tech (600207) returned to profit in 2010, generating net profits of 32.61 million yuan, reports stcn.com, citing a company filing. The firm’s net profit in 2009 was 1.07 billion yuan.
Sales revenue grew 86.22 percent year-on-year to 1.26 billion yuan while basic earnings per share (EPS) were 0.07 yuan.
The Anyang-based company plans to invest 466 million yuan in the second phase of a photovoltaic solar glass project.
Color tube facilities in its colored glass factory ceased production, and related assets will be liquidated.

Source: Henan Ancai Hi-Tech/capitalvue.com

RUSSIA: ROSTOV PLANT WILL PRODUCE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COATED GLASS

Guardian Industries Corp. has culminated a few years of analysis and strategic planning in announcing plans to build a float glass manufacturing plant in Krasny Sulin (Rostov region), Russia. The $220-million plant will be Guardian's largest, producing 900 tons of glass per day, and will include a technologically advanced glass coater.
The Rostov plant will produce Guardian's high-performance, energy-efficient ClimaGuard® (residential) and SunGuard® (commercial) glass products for construction of homes, offices, retail, health-care and other facilities. The plant is expected to begin operation in mid-2012, based on fulfillment of all incentives and agreements with local authorities, and will initially create 300 new jobs.
Located 957 kilometers (594 miles) from Moscow in the southern part of Russia along the Azov Sea, Rostov has sufficient natural resources, a large workforce and a well-developed transportation infrastructure. The area is also close to Sochi, home of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Source: Guardian Industries

HNG CLOSE TO BUYING 2 FIRMS

Glass bottle manufacturer Hindusthan National Glass (HNG) is in advanced talks to acquire two companies in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia and MENA (Middle East and North Africa) regions.
On the domestic front, the Kolkata-based company has lined up a capex of Rs 2,500 crore in the next three years. It plans to invest about Rs 650 crore in a new facility at Naidupeta in Andhra Pradesh and Rs 550 crore in expanding its existing plant at Nashik.
Hindusthan N ational Glass & Industries L td., India’s largest glass container manufacturing company with a market share of 55%, kick started the first phase of construction of the largest glass manufacturing complex in S outh East Asiaat N aidupeta with an initial investment of more than R s 700 crore.

Source: business-standard

PALO ALTO, CALIF : SOUTHWALL TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES LANDMARK PROJECT IN CHINA; SECOND LARGEST ARCHITECTURAL GLASS PROJECT IN COMPANY’S HISTORY

Southwall Technologies Inc. (OTCBB:SWTX), the worldwide innovator of energy-saving films and glass products, has announced one of its largest architectural glass project wins, the Guangzhou TV building in China. Currently under construction alongside the world-renowned Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower, the landmark building utilizes Southwall’s heat-reflective XIR film to minimize solar heat gain while maximizing visible light and energy efficiency. This is the second largest project win for Southwall in China after the Universiade Center sports complex in Shenzhen.

Source: Enhanced Online News

SAUDI ARABIA .OBEIKAN FIRES UP FLOAT FURNACE

Saudi Advanced Industries Company (SAIC) has said that its glass manufacturing subsidiary has began the operation of its glass furnace. Obeikan Glass Company, in which SAIC owns a 40% stake, will require 4-5 weeks until the furnace reaches maximum heat. At that stage, the compay will then start producing float glass within 2-3 weeks as fine tuning of the process takes place. The glass plant has been erected at Yanbu el Bahr, industrial and port city in Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea coast in Medina Province, about 350 km north of Jeddah. Yanbu harbour, close to the Suez Canal and on the major East-West shipping route provides easy access to the European and far-east markets for its products.
When fully operational, the plant will produce 800 tonnes per day of clear and tinted glass feature which will let it be the largest in the region. With provisions for on-line coatings, it will be the most modern of its kind in the Gulf countries thanks to Fives Stein technology.

Source: Gulf Glass

ANOTHER STEP AHEAD FROM FOR.EL. TO ANSWER TO THE NEEDS OF HIS CUSTOMERS

Nowadays trend in the architectural world is to extend the use of glass to wider surfaces, with a key role in the buildings’ aesthetics but consequently demanding to glass surfaces higher performances in terms of safety and energy saving.
The glass industry promptly replied offering tempered and laminated glass to provide safety, and double or multiple glazing to provide the necessary insulation. The use of these technologies together allows architects to express themselves delivering futuristic and impressive designs.
However it is not always easy to create the wide surfaces required, as common insulating glass assembly lines don’t have the load bearing capacity or the size to process such enormous glass sheets. This is why For.El. installed several oversize plants able to handle jumbo units, improving time after time the capacity and performances until the latest and impressive line delivered in December 2010 and capable to assemble jumbo size units, 6 m by 3,2 m big, with a thickness up to 85 mm and an impressive weight of 450 kg/m.
A re-designed revolutionary, simple and solid conveying system allows the use of laminated or tempered-laminated glass and the assembly of multiple layer units thus extending the number of possible combinations to be assembled, while an exclusive mobile conveyor system allows the downloading of these big and heavy units without compromising the safety of the operators.

Source: For.El

PAKISTAN GLASS INDUSTRY GEARS FOR REVIVAL

The Pakistan Glass Manufacturers Association (PAGMA) has hailed the decision of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) that glass-manufacturing industry producing exportable goods is eligible for financing under the SBP Long-Term Financing Facility (LTFF
Pakistan exports glassware products to the United Arab Emirates, Iran, South Africa, Tanzania, Oman, Bangladesh, Belgium and other countries. Exports could increase enormously if Trade Development Authority of Pakistan would help the manufacturers and exporters besides the manufacturers improve the quality of their products. Gulf Glass event will serve as an excellent focal point for the entire, wider Middle East region.

Source: Glassinthegulf

TURKEY´S SISECAM TO OPEN FOURTH PLANT NEAR TURGOVISHTE

Turkish glass maker Sisecam, the owner of Trakia Glass Bulgaria, opened on February 7 2011 its fourth plant near Bulgaria´s northeastern town of Turgovishte.
The new facility, worth $25 million, will produce motor vehicle glass, which will be sold on both the domestic market and foreign markets.
Sisecam has already sealed agreements with car manufacturers such as Audi, Ford, Renault and Peugeot, as well as with the future Bulgarian-Chinese plant near the town of Lovech.
The plant will have an annual production capacity of 1.3 million sq m of glass and will employ 130 people. The facility is expected to generate a turnover of $20 million a year.

Source: Sisecam

OPEN DAYS FOR AGC FLAT GLASS ITALIA IN CUNEO AND SALERNO WITH 400 GLASS EXPERTS

Open Days held by AGC Flat Glass Italia on 10 and 11 February at its two production facilities in Cuneo and Salerno.
Investments in an R&D center in Belgium that hosts 250 researchers and in Customer Centric to cut down on waiting times and distances with two logistics platforms in Cuneo and Salerno were announced.
The company’s focus is also on more efficient production processes and logistics, products with a higher added value and the environment through the “Going Green” initiative, as demonstrated by the fact that it is Europe’s leading producer of «Cradle to Cradle» (C2C) certified flat glass.

Source: AGC

HOLLOW GLASS: THE FUTURE LOOKS ENCOURAGING, CERTAINLY FOR THE ENTIRE FIRST HALF 2011

Barbara Antonini: “suddenly the wheels started turning”. But it’s important to define the new business strategies.
After the ups and downs of 2010, finally – some encouraging signs. In fact, it was precisely at year’s end that things started getting exciting again, especially in the world of hollow glass. “Düsseldorf – explains Barbara Antonini, of the legendary Antonini Srl family business – brought all of us very positive signs of impending recovery. But the stand-by that characterized the days immediately following Glasstec took us by surprise – projects seemed to have ground to a halt and, even though we had signed letters of intent for 2011, many clients notified us of the setback caused by the prolonged wait for financing. It was in December – confirms Antonini – almost by surprise, that the wheels started turning again. And very quickly”.

Source: N.6 Glass in IT style....read more>>

FLAT GLASS: DEMAND IS UP, BUT COMPONENT PRICES ARE ALSO ON THE RISE

Angelo Lovati: “We’re working, but it will take a few years
to recapture the earning levels of 2007”. Overseas markets rally, but Italy’s domestic market continues to “languish”. It’s the kind of recovery that, though stated cautiously, “should continue, since demand is not tied to a few clients, but there’s a system that is showing signs of stirring”. This is how Angelo Lovati, head of “Lovati Fratelli” in Assago, Italy, past president of Gimav and now a director of Federmacchine, views the performance of the flat glass sector at this juncture and foresees possible dynamics, in light of the conditions that were established after the Düsseldorf fair in September of 2010.
“Without question, that event marked a turning point – he explains – because it was there that the beginning of a change came about and has moved ahead”. So much so that, as far as Lovati is concerned, we’re booked with orders until April and, in talking with my colleagues, it seems they’re in the same boat. “Of course – he clarifies – we’re not at pre-crisis levels, when orders spanned the next 6-7 months, but businesses have begun to invest again”.

Source: N.6 Glass in IT style..read more....>>

ALU-PRO TO RAISE PRICE OF ALUMINUM SPACER BARS FOR IGUS

Alu-Pro, Italy, a global leader in the production of aluminum spacer bars for insulating glass units, plans to increase the price for its entire product range throughout the international markets. This price increase is a result of the continually rising cost of the raw material on the London Metal Exchange, the global metal trading center.
Another factor contributing to the price rise is pressure from lamination prices, and the significant growth in energy and shipping costs. The price hikes, which may be as much as 15 percent, will take effect in March 2011.
The Alu-Pro plants operating in Italy, Denmark, Poland and Russia produce almost 400 million linear meters of aluminum decorative and spacer bars for insulating glass units.

Source: Alu-Pro

NSG GROUP OPENS VIETNAM FLOAT LINE DEDICATED TO SOLAR ENERGY MARKET

The NSG Group, Japan, has announced the re-commissioning of its VGI float line at My Xuan in southern Vietnam. This follows work to convert the line to produce coated glass for use in photovoltaic applications. The line will manufacture the NSG Group's NSG TEC solar energy products, for export to Asia and elsewhere. The furnace start-up is planned for March 2011.
The VGI line was initially opened in 2008 to produce clear float for the domestic market in the southern part of Vietnam. Float production ceased in 2009 and the project for the solar energy coating line was launched in January 2010.

Source: nsggroup

DUPONT EXPANDS DIGIGLASS LICENSE

DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions has expanded a license to DigiGlass Pty, Ltd. in Melbourne, Australia, allowing DigiGlass to use DuPont SentryGlas Expressions digital interlayer technology worldwide in structural and architectural laminated glass products. The new license extends and expands on an earlier DuPont Alliance Agreement with DigiGlass giving them exclusive rights to make and sell printed polyvinyl butyral interlayer products using SentryGlas Expressions technology in the Australia/New Zealand market, as well as parts of Southeast Asia. DigiGlass started commercial production using DuPont SentryGlas Expressions in 2003.

Source: DuPont

QUANEX TO ACQUIRE EDGETECH

Quanex Building Products Corp. has signed a definitive agreement with Lauren International to acquire Edgetech I.G. Inc. for $107.0 million in an all cash transaction. Closing will take place immediately upon conclusion of applicable governmental regulatory approval.
Edgetech I.G., headquartered in Cambridge, Ohio, has manufacturing facilities in the U.S., the UK and Germany that produce and Super Spacer warm edge insulating glass spacer systems for window and door customers in North America and abroad. Edgetech will be part of Quanex’s Engineered Products Group, which also includes Mikron Industries, TruSeal Technologies and Homeshield Fenestration Components

Source: Windowanddoor

FENZI NORTH AMERICA AS BUSINESS AMBASSADOR IN THE 'PROJECT GREEN NETWORK'

Fenzi North America has joined this community of excellence, by confirming and continuing its commitment to sustainability, which already includes producing sealants without solvents or volatile organic compounds and constantly reducing all potentially polluting materials. The new commitment will enable Fenzi North America to add credit to the products that the Fenzi group is bringing to the large North American market, that is, sealants, mirror coatings, ceramic and decorative paints which are already recognized and appreciated worldwide. Fenzi’s Toronto branch in particular has developed and fine tuned a new and absolutely avant-garde unit that produces high-performance polysulphide sealants for IG. Moreover, with its Thiover sealants, Fenzi has already attained a significant achievement: the use of this special, next-generation sealant earns LEED® points and certifies buildings under the U.S. Green Building Rating System.

Source: Fenzi Group

CHROMATECH ULTRA NOW MADE IN ITALY TOO

As a result of frenetic developments in the warm edge market, the most qualified producers are inevitably raising their production levels. This is precisely what is happening to Alu-Pro, a company based in Noale that produces aluminum profiles and is the sole shareholder in Rolltech, a Danish company known worldwide for its Chromatech stainless steel profiles. Next year, a new line -- the fourth -- will be inaugurated for the very popular Chromatech Ultra profiles made of stainless steel and polycarbonate. The new line in Noale, Italy will serve central-southern Europe while the plant in Denmark will produce and distribute for central-northern Europe. But the story doesn’t end here: the success of this new generation profile, which is ideal for residential property, will make another production line almost certainly necessary in the short term. The fifth. Not bad for a product launched just two years ago

Source: Fenzi Group

UK - ALLIED GLASS 600 MILLION BOTTLES PER YEAR

Allied Glass has been operating under its current identity since 2000, but both of its factories can trace their heritage back to the nineteenth century. The Leeds plant was first established in 1891 as Lax and Shaw, while the Hope Glass Works dates back to 1874, when it was home to Gregg and Company.
Today, Allied Glass offers a total manufacturing capability of 600 million bottles per year, which is 12 per cent of the UK glass container market, and promotes total flexibility, therefore it has the capability to accommodate low volume production runs from as few as a thousand glass containers a year up to as many as 30 million, ranging in size from 50ml to 4.5 litres.
The Leeds plant operates two white flint furnaces feeding nine production lines, while the two furnaces at Knottingley serve seven lines. Alan Henderson Operations Director at Knottingley says: “Through our on-going development of lightweighting technology, we are now able to manufacture containers which retain the authentic image of a spirit bottle while providing the industry with much improved environmental performance and major savings in distribution costs.”
At Allied Glass a policy of continuous investment is pursued, the Knottingley site recently having been the recipient of a £9 million investment programme. The bottle manufacturing is carried out by a mixture of six and eight section fully automated IS machines to achieve enhanced flexibility, particularly for the making of specially shaped bottles. Both plants use the industry recognised ‘blow-blow’ bottle forming process, which has been extensively developed and refined by Allied Glass in-house.

Source: British Consulate General

TOKYO : AGC UNVEILS DAMAGE-RESISTANT DRAGONTRAIL™ GLASS FOR SMARTPHONE, TABLET PC, TV MAKERS WORLDWIDE

AGC announced it will launch worldwide sales of Dragontrail™, a glass material that is highly receptive to chemical strengthening, to respond to surging global demands for high-quality cover glass used for screens on electronic devices. By 2012, AGC expects to achieve sales of over 30 billion yen (about 360 million USD) in the global market for chemically strengthened cover glass used in smartphones, tablet PCs, TVs and similar devices.
Chemically strengthened Dragontrail is six times stronger than conventional soda-lime glass, highly resistant to scratches and features a beautiful, pristine finish compared with resin. Dragontrail, developed from market-proven raw glass for chemical strengthening, is free of environmentally
harmful materials such as arsenic, lead and antimony.
AGC uses a highly efficient float process to manufacture Dragontrail by utilizing the company’s extensive technical expertise in producing specialized glass for electronics acquired through manufacturing TFT glass substrates.

Source: AGC

PILKINGTON OPTIWHITE™ : EXTRA-CLEAR, COLORLESS GLASS WITH OUTSTANDING LIGHT TRANSMISSION

This low-iron, extra-clear float glass is so colorless it even lacks that characteristic greenish appearance of conventional clear glass.
One of the most interesting features of Pilkington Optiwhite™ is its outstanding luminosity and transparency which ensure optimal rendering of colors when viewed through the glass. The light transmission is several percentage points higher than that of clear float glass, especially for large thicknesses. When used in conventional insulating glass, Pilkington Optiwhite™ reduces energy absorption and thus lowers the risk of breakage due to thermal shock.

Source: Pilkington

JAPAN - VUTEQ TO SET UP AUTO GLASS PROCESSING PLANT IN MIYAGI

Japanese automotive glass processing company Vuteq Corp has signed a deal with local governments to set up a plant in Ohira, Miyagi Prefecture, to supply products to a Toyota Motor Corp subsidiary.
Vuteq will provide windshields and other types of glass components for a nearby plant of Central Motor Co, which began operation earlier this month. The new factory will cost Vuteq about 500 million yen.

Source: japantoday.com

TAIWAN GLASS TO KICK OFF MASS PRODUCTION OF LOW-E GLASS IN Q1

Taiwan Glass Ind. Corp., a major glass manufacturer in Taiwan, recently announced to kick off mass production of its Low-E low-emissivity glass at different production sites, including the one in Taicang (Jiangsu Province) and another in Chengdu (Sichuan Province), China in the first quarter.
Taiwan Glass` plants in Taiwan`s Changhua Costal Industrial Zone as well as Tianjiang and Guangdong Province of China are scheduled to start producing the new glass in the second or/and third quarter, the company said.
In 2011, Taiwan Glass` total production capacity for the low-E glass is expected to grow six times to about 36 million square meters from about five million square meters now.

Source: cens.com

PHP FLOAT GLASS GEARS UP FOR PUBLIC OFFER

PHP Float Glass Industries Ltd plans to go public to raise funds for enhancing working capital, business expansion and repayment of loans taken from financial institutions.
If approved by the regulator, it will be the first glass manufacturing company from the private sector to enter the country's stockmarket after the lone state-run listed firm Usmania Glass.
PHP Float Glass, a concern of Chittagong-based PHP Group, will float three crore ordinary shares of Tk 10 each using the book building method, a modern pricing mechanism for initial public offering (IPO).

Source: The Daily Star

INDIA - FLOAT GLASS FIRM SEZAL TO INVEST RS750-CRORE IN SECOND PLANT IN GUJARAT NEWS

Gujarat-based float glass maker Sezal Glass Ltd, a major architectural glass processor, today said it is investing Rs750 crore for a second float glass facility at Bharuch, in Gujarat.
It has a current capacity of 550 mt / day Sezal Glass, formerly Sejal Architectural Glass, is a first generation entrepreneur-led company making float glass at Bharuch 25 years ago and makes mid and high end decorative glass, art and artifacts, lights and luminaries, sanitary ware, tiles, furniture, wallpapers and started its float glass manufacturing operations in the last quarter of the last financial year.
"Looking into the overall recovery in the residential and automotive markets the trend for float glass products seems to be positive for the next few years," says Amrrut Gada, chairman and managing director.

Source: USGlass

MIDDLE EAST: SWICORP IN $158 MILLION FINANCING PACKAGE FOR GLASS FIBRE PLANT

Financing package comprises a SAR 200 million ($53 million) medium term facility from the Saudi Industrial Development Fund (SIDF), as well as SAR 242 million ($65 million) medium term Islamic financing facility and a SAR 150 million ($40 million) Islamic bridge facility from Bank Al Jazira to bridge the SIDF financing facility.
The plant will be the largest-of-its-kind in the Middle East region and will have an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons with a plan to double the capacity to 120,000 tons in the near future.
Swicorp Joussour Company, a Saudi Joint Stock Company capitalised at SAR 2.67 billion ($712 million) managed by Swicorp, said that its portfolio company Eastern Industrial Company (EICO) has raised financing facilities amounting to SAR 592 million ($ 158 million) to partially fund EICO's project to set up a corrosion resistant glass fibre production plant in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. EICO is 51 per cent owned by Joussour.
"The plant will be the largest-of-its-kind in the Middle East region and will have an annual production capacity of 60,000 tons with a plan to double the capacity to 120,000 tons in the near future. EICO has taken delivery of most of the plant’s equipment and machinery and has completed all civil works at the project’s site," said Faysal Hamza, Managing Director at Swicorp Private Equity and EICO’s Managing Director.
Hamza added that "EICO has secured all the necessary permits and licences including an advantageous land location in the First Industrial Zone in Jubail, approval from the Saudi Electricity Company, natural gas allocation from Saudi Aramco, in addition to oxygen from Sabic's National Industrial Gases Company to enhance the capacity of its furnaces".

Source: cpifinancial.net

METALLIC GLASS SETS NEW SAFETY STANDARDS FOR LABORATORY EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS

Laboratory equipment manufacturers may be able to produce blast screens with higher strength using a type of metallic glass developed by researchers.
Safety screens are an important part of many laboratory environments, allowing physical and chemical processes to be carried out without the risk of injury due to explosion.
Now a team at the California Institute of Technology has created a new kind of glass, bringing together the best properties of the material and of the metal palladium.
Using a palladium alloy as the raw material for the glass helps to give it characteristics usually absent from the material - such as shatter-resistance.
Meanwhile, the inherent strength of the glass remains, rather than suffering from the ease of deformation often seen in metals. The development could unlock new levels of strength in safety screens created by laboratory equipment manufacturers in the future, although the researchers stress that the 'glass' is not transparent, but shares its appearance with the metal from which it is made.

Source: labmate-online

ITALY, FIRST-TIME GUEST AT SOLAR DECATHLON EUROPE 2012

MED in Italy is the name of the team and project that will be presented by lecturers in Architecture, Economics, and Engineering from Roma Tre University and a small Industrial Design team from Sapienza University in Rome, led by Chiara Tonelli (Roma Tre University – Faculty of Architecture and Department of Architectural Planning and Study) and with the active support of students and funding from leading Italian companies, at the Solar Decathlon international competition slated for 2012 in Spain.
A total of 20 university teams from around the world will be presenting their solar-powered home featuring technologies designed to maximize its energy efficiency. Multi-disciplinary teams from the universities will be taking part with the scientific contribution of lecturers and the work of students, all involved in the entire design and development process. Since the conception of a highly innovative building entails very high engineering and prototyping costs, as well as advanced technical know-how, the economic and technical support of companies is necessary. Participating for the first time, Italy will be able to test its know-how in the area of self-sufficiency by producing a building well suited to its climatic, economic and social context. This is a very real and necessary requirement for the universities, since any testing would be primarily carried out at a local level, providing their students with future employment opportunities, also locally. The next competition will take place in the United States in September 2011.

Source: Edilio.it

AGY LAUNCHES E-GLASS SIZING FOR AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

AGY is introducing new direct sizing system for E-glass yarns. It is initially available on AGY’s DE75 yarn which is used primarily in aerospace fabrics.
Building on its experience with its S-2 Glass® direct-sized products, AGY developed the new sizing system, called 947, for yarns used primarily in aerospace applications. Fibres with 947 sizing can be woven into fabric and used in composite applications without additional finishing.
Yarns produced with the new 947 sizing have significantly higher tensile strengths than their counterparts coated with traditional oil and starch sizes, reports AGY.
Also, because fabrics made from 947-coated yarns need not undergo the damaging heat treatments or other cleaning processes that can erode fabric integrity, they can contribute considerably more strength to the composite materials into which they are incorporated.
AGY claims that unidirectional standard general purpose epoxy laminates manufactured with this fibre have an ASTM 3039 tensile strength of 200 ksi (1379 MPa), a 40% improvement over traditional E-glass yarns; and an ASTM D3410 compressive strength of 125 ksi (862 MPa), a 45% improvement over traditional E-glass yarns.

Source: reinforcedplastics.com

CHINA GLASS EYES GREEN ENERGY MARKET FOR GROWTH

China Glass Holding Ltd expects energy-efficient glass products to make up more than half of total sales by 2012, up from less than 10 percent now, as the country's renewable energy market grows rapidly.
The company, which is 30 percent invested by Legend Holdings' private equity arm Hony Capital, makes everything from plain glass used in construction and cars to the glass used to manufacture thin film solar cells. It is in the process of upgrading some production lines to manufacture more sophisticated products for the green energy sector. China Glass, whose daily capacity will likely remain steady at 6,670 tonnes this year, invested about 300 million yuan ($45 million) in a new production plant in the eastern Chinese province of Shandong to make products for the green energy sector.
Profit margins for energy-saving glass products are typically higher at 50-70 percent, versus 10-20 percent for plain glass.
China Glass shares, which more than doubled in 2010, were up 3.14 percent, outperforming the Hang Seng Index's 0.38 percent gain as investors banked on construction-related stocks amid China's infrastructure boom.
However, analysts caution against looming market oversupply. "I'm a little worried about new supply in the glass market in 2011. Glass prices will be under pressure this year, although perhaps demand will help keep the falls capped," said Haitong International Securities analyst Zheng Zhihao.

Source: Reuters

VITRUM 2011 IS A NOT-TO-BE-MISSED OPPORTUNITY

Visitors to Vitrum 2011 will have dual opportunities. In addition to finding the most important global innovations in glass processing and its applications, they can also have top-rated assistance in organizing an Italian weekend of cultural tourism or pure enjoyment to round out their fair experience.
Markets seem to be pulling again -- the emerging countries are driving the global recovery; even the USA is showing signs of renewed vigor, and old Europe, although slowly and unevenly, is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
These are crucial conditions for Vitrum, because they pave the way for an exciting expo, filled with the latest inventions and events no one wants to miss. Vitrum will also be the showcase for the best of Made in Italy, a reality that is preparing for a year of considerable growth around the world. Demand for Italian technology has taken off with a vengeance and manufacturers are pondering major investment plans that will allow them to offer amazing demonstrations of their technological leadership.

Source: Newsletter Vitrum..............reed more>>

CERADYNE ACQUIRES GLASS MAKER FOR $27 MILLION

Ceradyne Inc., which makes ceramic body armor and solar products, said it acquired Viox Corp., a specialty glass maker, for $27 million.
The price includes a post-closing adjustment in about two months as well as contingent payments of up to $22 million.
Ceradyne said it expects the acquisition will help earnings immediately. Viox will become part of the company´s advanced ceramic operations segment and all current Viox staffers will stay in Seattle.
Ceradyne shares rose 36 cents to $33.72 in morning trading.

Source: Ceradyne Inc

EU PROPOSES WATERING DOWN IMPORT DUTIES ON CHINESE GLASS FIBRE

After having imposed provisional import duties of 43.6% on Chinese glass fibre in September last year the European Commission in late December released a document in which it proposes lowering the duties to 13.8% as of 16 March 2011. The new proposal also excludes yarns for woven mats from the proceedings.
The move has been welcomed by the European Plastics Converters (EuPC, Brussels / Belgium; www.eupc.org), who nevertheless cautioned that “the impact of such duties will seriously damage composites production and should not be underestimated.” The duties had been a bone of contention between the EU and Europe’s industry associations since they were first imposed, with the latter advocating that they should not have been imposed at all. “With an estimated number of 10,000 companies across Europe and around 150,000 employees, such duties will lead to negative consequences for the national economies and employment creation and retention,” according to EuPC.
It is for this reason that the two groups have called on interested parties to get in touch with their national representatives ahead of an upcoming 13 January EU 27 meeting, when the latest proposal is due for discussion, in order to forestall a passing of the washed down measures.

Source: plasteurope.com

HOLLOW GLASS: VERY PROMISING MARKET OPPORTUNITIES IN EGYPT

For the hollow glass industry, end-of-year 2010 confirmed a slight recovery in the market. This had already been anticipated at the Düsseldorf exhibition, with Egypt and Iran offering interesting prospects, as demonstrated at the recent Gimav and ICE workshops in these two countries.
According to Michele Gusti, who heads the Hollow Glass Group at Gimav, the Cairo appointment on 7 and 8 November was “very positive” adding that: “The very efficient organization by ICE managed to attract Egyptian trade people, as well as the government authorities”. The two-day event showed that “significant investments are being made in Egypt by glass companies from the Far and Middle East which therefore makes it strategic for us to move into the market at this time,” Gusti explained. Egypt has become a crucial country in the Arab area with a great deal of pulling power because of a number of factors: qualified manpower, low energy costs, a government that is open to agreements aimed at attracting foreign capital. It is also an interesting market for accessories.

Source: Glass in it style N.5 ....reed more>>

CHANGE IN GLASTON’S EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT GROUP

Glaston Corporation’s Senior Vice President, Machines, and member of Glaston’s Executive Management Group, Topi Saarenhovi has decided to leave the company on February 1, 2011.
In 2010 Glaston has purposefully adjusted its structure to meet the current market situation and a new head of the Machines business area will not be appointed. As of 1 February 2011 the Machines business area reports directly to CEO&President Arto Metsänen.

Source: Glaston......reed more>>

BUILDING AMNESTY UNTIL MARCH 31ST: INCENTIVES FOR SOA QUALIFICATION (COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATION) FOR 3 MONTHS ONLY, NO EXTENSION FOR PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM

The “Milleproroghe” decree (the annual decree extending the life of various government measures) has been published in the Official Gazette. The decree confirms building amnesty (extended for an additional month) and incentives for company qualification, that have however been reduced to 3 months. Under the decree, photovoltaic systems can no longer be certified by January 31st.The deadline for submitting cadastral updates for undeclared or former rural buildings is March 31st.
The final decree no longer provides for the extension of the deadline for photovoltaic system certification that can benefit from the second feed-in-tariff under Law 129/2010 to January 31st. Documents signed by the certified technician shall be submitted no later than December 31st along with notice of work completion to the Authority that authorized the system, the network and energy service provider.

Source: edilportale.com

LDK SOLAR REACHES 3.0 GW WAFER PRODUCTION CAPACITY

LDK Solar Co., Ltd. ("LDK Solar") (NYSE: LDK), a leading manufacturer of multicrystalline solar wafers and PV products, announced that the Company reached the milestone of 3.0 gigawatts (GW) annualized capacity at its wafer plants. Mr. Xiaofeng Peng, Founder, Chairman and CEO hosted a ceremony to celebrate at the company's facilities in Xinyu City, China. "As the world's leading wafer company, we are pleased to achieve this milestone," stated Xiaofeng Peng, Chairman and CEO of LDK Solar. "This achievement positions the Company to continue to capitalize on the demand for its PV products."

Source: LDK Solar Co., Ltd

A TOTAL OF 413 MILLION EUROS HAVE BEEN EARMARKED BY THE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, PORTS AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS IN SOUTHERN

In a recent Resolution, Cipe will fund small- and medium-sized projects in the South. The projects involve infrastructural work on the construction of road and sewage networks and port facilities; infrastructural work for the upgrading, reconstruction and construction of government premises; infrastructural work for the upgrading, reconstruction and construction of buildings for the Police Authorities.
Within 30 days of publication of the Resolution in the Official Gazette, the Ministry of Infrastructures will provide the list of projects to be funded, adding, if any, projects for “places of worship” and expenses for studies, surveys and consultancy services. According to the Resolution, work shall be completed by 31 December 2012.

Source: edilportale.com

CONSTRUCTION WORK ON SCHOOL BUILDINGS: 2 MILLION EUROS FOR EXPANDING AND RESTRUCTURING BUILDINGS IN THE VENETO REGION

The Regional Government has approved € 2,304,301.61 in funding for projects to expand, complete and restructure kindergartens, elementary schools and junior high schools.
Work is necessary to transform old buildings into healthy, safe and earthquake-proof places. The province of Belluno will receive € 117,842.69 for 7 projects, Padua will receive € 408,107.36 for16 projects, Rovigo € 296,463.25 (10 projects), Treviso € 536,488.85 (16 projects), Venice € 306,090.69 (10 projects), Vicenza € 256,643.65 (12 projects), Verona € 382,665.13 ( 9 projects).

Source: Regione Veneto

ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW COMPANY IN CHINA.SUPPORTING THE STRENGTHENING/EXPANSION OF THE AGC GROUP’S BUSINESS OPERATIONS IN CHINA

AGC (Asahi Glass Co., Ltd.; Tokyo; President ＆ CEO: Kazuhiko Ishimura) announces that the company has established AGC (China) Holdings Co., Ltd., a company that supports business activities of AGC’s business, and will appoint Chief Representative who represents the AGC Group in China. With these measures, we aim to further strengthen and expand its business in the Chinese market. AGC has been expanding investment in China recently, and established a production (processing) base for TFT-LCD glass substrates in the rapidly growing country in March 2010. Today, the company operates 11 consolidated subsidiaries in China and approx. 5,000 employees are working there. AGC aims to further expand its business in the country, which is expected to maintain high growth rate, and to this end, we must strengthen the organizational infrastructure to promote new investment and business development by leveraging the Group’s total strength.
AGC (China) Holdings Co., Ltd. will be engaged in various activities beyond the framework of individual business unit. Specifically, the role of the company includes information gathering on economic and industrial policies of the Chinese government, supporting business activities of the business units in the country, and developing new business/participating in new business projects.

Source: AGC

C.R. LAURENCE CO. INC. (CRL) IN LOS ANGELES HAS ANNOUNCED ITS ACQUISITION OF DELTA DOORS IN MIAMI

Originally founded in 1996 by Jesus Martinez as a distribution center for doors and storefront materials, Delta Doors later shifted into manufacturing aluminum doors, windows and framing systems.
“Delta Doors is considered the ‘major force’ in doors and window wall systems and is one of the few companies meeting all of Miami-Dade County (FL) air, water, structural and impact requirements,” says Lloyd Talbert, president of CRL. “Delta Doors has also received top accolades in the industry with its implementation of the industry’s first in-swing impact-resistant entrance. Delta presently holds Notices of Acceptance for six of the impact resistant systems it manufactures.”
According to the announcement, all Delta employees will be joining CRL, including founder Jesus Martinez and Carlos Martinez, who has led the sales efforts and managed production.

Source: USSGNN

ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS INDEX REACHES HIGHEST SCORE SINCE 2007

The American Institute of Architect’s (AIA) Architecture Billings Index (ABI) rose more than three points in November 2010 to reach its highest mark since December 2007. As an economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.
AIA reports the November ABI score was 52.0, up from a reading of 48.7 the previous month. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 61.4, down slightly from a mark of 61.7 in October.

Source: USSGNN

GE BACKS ECO-GLASS START-UP WITH $30M DEAL

A US green building start-up that makes glass capable of electronically switching from clear to tinted to help save energy has secured $30m (£19m) of venture capital funding from a group of investors including engineering giant General Electric (GE).
California-based Soladigm confirmed yesterday that it had completed the funding round with the help of GE, which will use the glass in new buildings and grids as part of its high-profile Ecomagination initiative to cut emissions and boost the energy efficiency of its products and facilities.
The funding will also allow Soladigm to enter mass production for its Dynamic Glass and expand its sales and marketing arms.
The round was led by DBL Investors and Nano Dimension, and included existing investors Khosla Ventures and Sigma Partners.

Source: Soladigm

O-I ACQUIRES TWO PLANTS IN NORTHERN CHINA

Owens-Illinois, Inc. (NYSE: OI), the world’s largest maker of glass packaging, today announced it had entered into an agreement to acquire the glass container manufacturing business of Hebei Rixin Glass Group Co., Ltd. in northern China. The deal, expected to close before year-end, means O-I has more than doubled its capacity in China in the past year to more than one million tonnes (up from 440,000 tonnes), making the company China’s second largest glass container manufacturer.
The acquisition, located in the fast-growing Beijing/Tianjin region of China’s Hebei province, includes two plants and delivers an additional 270,000 tonnes of capacity for O-I. The Hebei province is the third largest glass market in China and represents approximately 10 percent of the total Chinese market. The newly acquired plants produce glass containers predominantly for China’s rapidly growing domestic beer market. By 2015, China’s domestic beer market is expected to reach 573 million hectoliters – more than twice the size of the U.S. beer market, which is the world’s second largest.

Source: Owens-Illinois.....read more>>

FRIENDS OF GLASS LAUCHES VIRAL CAMPAIGN AGAINST PLASTIC PACKAGING

“Nothing” is an all-glass range of products in 6 formats (jars, bottles and the like). It is being presented on the market by Friends of Glass, a movement in support of glass that is launching its crusade across the Web.
The idea is to fight against the use of plastics, which are often considered to have a harmful effect on human beings, as the recent ban on the use of a compound contained in plastic infant feeding bottles has shown.

Source: greenbiz.it

SAINT-GOBAIN AND CERTAINTEED LAUNCH THREE-YEAR, $550,000 PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUTHBUILD USA

Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed are joining forces with YouthBuild USA to support its green education and job-training program for low-income youth. At a national kick-off event today in Philadelphia, Saint-Gobain and CertainTeed announced they are providing a three-year, $550,000 grant to support YouthBuild USA and its Green Initiative program.
“As the world’s largest building materials company, Saint-Gobain is committed to helping communities build and renovate energy-efficient, comfortable, healthy, cost-efficient and durable buildings,” said Gilles Colas, president and CEO of Saint-Gobain in North America. “With the help of our subsidiary CertainTeed, North America’s leading brand of exterior and interior building products, we hope to help YouthBuild USA achieve its mission of rebuilding the lives and communities of low-income, disconnected young adults, through its green building and job training program.”

Source: Certainteed

GLASS INDUSTRY DELIGHTED OF THE GROWING SUPPORT FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY BINDING TARGETS

Glass for Europe is delighted of the European Parliament’s overwhelming support to the report of MEP Bend Bendtsen on the revision of the Energy Efficiency Action Plan. In particular Glass for Europe welcomes the call for EU binding targets on energy-efficiency and for support mechanisms for building refurbishment.
‘The European Parliament sends a very strong signal to both the European Commission and the Council with this vote. It is not enough to declare energy-efficiency a priority; measures must now be put in place to achieve the 20% target by 2020. The Commission and Member States must deliver and show credibility on this topic by endorsing the binding target.’ said Bertrand Cazes, Secretary General of Glass for Europe.
Glass for Europe shares the view that energy savings potential continues to be greatly underutilised in Europe, particularly in buildings. Today nearly 45% of Europe’s buildings are still equipped with single-glazing while standard glazing solutions six to eight time more energy efficient are available throughout Europe. Encouraging the renovation of the existing building stock must become a priority for Europe.

Source: Glass of Europe

PIRAMAL GLASS WINS GLOBAL HR EXCELLENCE AWARD

Piramal Glass Limited (PGL), a part of the Ajay Piramal led Piramal Group won the Global HR Excellence Award in the ‘Organization with Innovative HR Practices’ at the 2010 Times of India Ascent Asia Pacific HRM Congress held in Bangalore. Piramal Glass is a leading global manufacturer of flaconnage (glass containers) for Cosmetics & Perfumery, Specialty Food & Beverages and Pharmaceutical industry.
It has manufacturing in 3 countries – India, USA and Sri Lanka and markets its products in over 50 countries. The Asia Pacific HRM Congress is an annual event conducted to recognise and felicitate outstanding HR practitioners, Leaders & Leadership developers, Strategic HR planers, Talent builders and managers, Innovative HR practitioners and the like.

Source: indiainfoline.com

SOLAR PV AND CPV TECHNOLOGY’S MARKET TRENDS

Despite the global financial crisis in 2009, the United States became the second largest photovoltaic solar energy market in the world, second only to Germany. This growth is credited mainly to the supportive policy implemented by both federal and state governments, particularly the renewable energy stimulus package as well as guaranteed financial incentives for the next eight years as introduced by the Obama administration, according to a Dec. 3 greenbuildingpro.com report

Source: Glassmagazine

HEINEKEN CUTS SIZE RANGE IN BEER BOTTLE REDESIGN

Heineken is rolling out a new bottle design across the globe, cutting the number of sizes available, in an effort to achieve greater brand uniformity and streamline its supply chain.
The new Heineken beer bottles will be launched first in Western Europe early next year and across the rest of the world in 2011. They will come in 5 rather than 15 sizes as had previously been the case.
The new beer bottle design features a curved embossment on the neck and back, which is added to improve looks, give a pleasing feel and act as a stamp of quality and authenticity.
Summarising the benefits of the design changes, Mark van Iterson, global manager of Heineken design & concept said: “We believe that with one recognizable bottle the global Heineken brand will be further strengthened. With uniformity comes even greater impact.”
He continued: “The bottle will reinforce the new packaging visual identity which has already been applied to the contemporary tactile can and embossed glasses that were introduced in selected markets earlier this year.”

Source: Foodproductiondaily.com

TARIFF ON GLASS COULD CUT SOME BUSINESSES DEEP

Breweries says a new tariff on glass imports could push up the price of wine and beer and other food and drink that comes packaged in glass.
The tariff is aimed at encouraging businesses to buy their glass locally, but breweries are not happy as some are locked into long-term contracts.
Lyn Mayes from the Glass Packaging Forum told ONE News the tariff is a "relic of a bygone era". It used to be in place, and has just been reinstated by the government.
"No one thought it would come back in. The government is saying at the moment that they won't review tariffs until 2015. We'd like them to have a look at it now."
She said contracts were signed without knowing the tariff would come back.
"We'd like the money back please. Because we don't want to pass it on to consumers because we don't think they want to pay more," was her message to the government.
Recycling company O-I is set to benefit from the arrangement. It has been cranking out bottles for the past month at its factory in the Auckland suburb Penrose to improve supply of local bottles to the market.
The company has spent $125 million on its New Zealand operation, which has also created 40 jobs.

Source: ONE News

2011 INTERNATIONAL GLASS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

The first China Glass High-tech International Forum, also called 2011 International Association Conference will be held in Shenzhen in Wuzhou Hotel on March 31 to April 2, 2011.
This forum will gather the important experts, scholars and entrepreneurs from glass science, technology and production industry. The target of this first China Glass High-tech International Forum is to walk to better future through researching the new improvement and trend of world glass industry. At that time, the experts from international glass industry will issue articles, during the meeting time, the articles will be collected into brochures and made to CD. The website: www.ctiec.net
At the same time, 2011 International Glass Association will also be held. International Commission on Glass,ICG, is one international academic organization of glass industry, it was established in Venice, Italy in September 1933.

Source: Glassinchina

CHINA SUNERGY AND PYTHAGORAS SOLAR: DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHLY ADAPTABLE SOLAR WINDOWS

China Sunergy Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: CSUN), a specialized solar manufacturer based in Nanjing, China, and Pythagoras Solar, a provider of breakthrough building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products, today announced the signing of an agreement to co-market and advance the development and scale manufacturing of BIPV products from 2010-2015 in China. The agreement positions both companies to capitalize on opportunities in the growing BIPV market through the use of Pythagoras Solar's transparent, high power photovoltaic glass units (PVGU). Research firm NanoMarkets estimated the BIPV market in Asia in 2009 at over U.S. $600 million in installation revenues and forecasts the global BIPV market to exceed U.S. $8 billion by 2015.

Source: PR Newswire

VITRO AMERICA TO JOIN GICC

The Glazing Industry Code Committee is a collaborative glass and glazing industry organization with a mission of promoting the reasonable use of glass and fenestration within the model building codes.

Vitro America has joined the Glazing Industry Code Committee (GICC), a group within the Glass Association of North America (GANA) that discusses code policy and advocates on behalf of the industry.
GICC, previously a stand-alone organization, became a part of GANA at the beginning of 2010. It currently has 17 members, including Alliance Members the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and the Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA).

Source: @Vitro ...read more >>

GOOD ENERGIES COMPLETES FOLLOW-ON INVESTMENT IN SAGE ELECTROCHROMICS

Good Energies, a leading global investor in renewable energy and energy efficiency industries, today announced a follow-on investment in Sage Electrochromics, the world leader in the development, manufacture and international commercialization of electronically tintable glass – branded SageGlass. The follow-on is the latest in a series of investments by Good Energies in Sage Electrochromics since 2007. In addition to Good Energies, Saint-Gobain, the world leader in high performance glass, has announced contributing $80M of capital to the company.
The financing will help fund the completion of the world's first, large scale electrochromic glass manufacturing facility. This investment reconfirms Sage's position as a game changing technology within the green building space. Additionally, as part of this round, TIAA-CREF has invested in Sage as part of a previously announced alliance with Good Energies to invest in the Green building sector.

Source: PR Newswire ....read more >>

GLASS INDUSTRY IN INDIA 2010

Glass industry in India is poised to grow rapidly owing to its extensive use in the numerous sectors. The market is driven by increasing disposable income and willingness to spend on better living standards due to rising aesthetic sense among consumers as well as glass being the preferred medium of packaging. The total glass industry is worth INR 180 bn in 2010.

The report begins with an introduction to the glass industry including overview of the global glass market, per capita consumption of countries, total usage in volume among building and automotive segments. It further elaborates on the Indian glass market with indicative figures for market size and growth, information regarding the increasing per capita glass consumption and market segmentation. It also gives a brief idea of the various glass segments widely used in the market. It further shows overall import and export of glass as well as the segmented share for major countries.

Source: companiesandmarkets.com.....read more >>

1ST SOLAR INDUSTRY SUMMIT INDIA 2011: APPLICATION MEETS PRODUCTION – HOW TO USE AND PRODUCE PV IN INDIA

At the "1st Solar Industry Summit India" in Mumbai on 13th January 2011, high-profile speakers from politics and trade associations together with the solar industry and its suppliers will give a unique overview of applications and production of photovoltaic systems in India.
To keep the entire value chain within the country, the subject of production technology is of particular importance. From factory design to process optimization the conference will take on on all aspects of the solar production.
Additionally it will give an overview of worldwide market development, the status quo for crystalline and thin-film photovoltaics, project development, quality assurance, finance and bankability.

Source: Solarpraxis

RAJASTHAN TO SET UP CERAMIC AND GLASS HUB NEAR NEEMRANA

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) will set up Ceramic and Glass hub in 250 hectares at Gilot in the industrial area of Neemrana , bordering DMIC, with piped natural gas, RIICO Managing Director Rajendra Bhanawat said on Tuesday.
RIICO has earmarked the land and the hub would be offered to private investors for setting up industries on ceramic and glass, which is abundant in Rajasthan, Bhanawat told reporters here reporters in the press conference for the first 'CERAGLASS India 2010', starting on November 11.
Bhanawat said Rajasthan alone meets 75 per cent of the country's demand of bone china and would do more, if the very sector gets organised.

Sixteen industries from 16 countries, and 180 exhibitors would take part in the four days conference, he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Shreekant Somany, chairman of the conference and CMD Somany Ceramics Ltd , said cera has a total market of Rs 11,000 crore and glass of Rs 18,000 crore annually, which accounted for about 5 per cent of global productions.
Ceramics and Glass industry is growing at 15 per cent annually, much higher than global average, but the fragmented and unorganised industrial scenario was the key challenge, Somany said.
India lacks good and consistent quality raw material besides, technological upgradation and environmental challenges, he said.

Source: The economic times

2011: 55% TAX DEDUCTION IN 10 YEARS

The 55% tax deduction for the building energy riqualification will be extended for the whole 2011. The Parlament has approved a modification of the Annual Financial Program of the Government that gives the ability to deduct from Irpef 55% of the cost to improve the building energy performances, made until 31st of December 2011. Only modification to the bonus: the deduction will be spread in 10 years instead of 5. The Maximum Expense Limit, the Percentage of Deduction and the allowed operations will be unchanged. In 2011 this fiscal bonus should generate bigger Vat incomes up to 124,8 millions of euros; from 2012 (the year in which people will start to deduct expenses made in 2011), this act will probably cost to the State roughly 300 millions of euros.

Source: Edilportale.com

EUROPEANS PREFER GLASS PACKAGING OVER PLASTIC

A study has revealed consumers in southern Europe prefer glass packaging over plastic when it comes to food materials.
The survey, which covered 19 European countries, found 68% prefer glass to plastics when it comes to food and drink products in general, the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE) said.
In Southern Europe 91% of Greeks, 83% of Italians and 74% of Spaniards voted for glass over plastic.

Source: packaging-gateway.com

TARGET EGYPT: THE CONTACT WITH THE SUPPLIER IS BASICALLY IMPORTANT

Antonino Mafodda, director of ICE Cairo, sketches the promising pattern of the Egyptian economy.

The itinerant seminar in favour of the field of Glass Manufacturing Machines was held in Cairo, from last November 7 to 8. Together with Antonino Mafodda, director of ICE Cairo, we want to sketch a general picture of Egyptian economy.
“During the last four years”, explains Mafodda, “exchanges between Italy and Egypt more than doubled: in particular our exports increased from 1.3 billion Euro in 2005 to today’s 2.7 (forecast based on the data of the 1st six-month-period of 2010) and we now have a credit balance amounting to 463 million Euro.” Within this frame, mechanics and capital goods account for more than 50% of the total Italian export to Egypt. The director continues: “Apart from absolute values, our Egyptian market share in this ‘macrosector’ is significant, this share making up for about 20% of the total Egyptian imports.”

Source: N° 4 Glass in it style...raed more>>

NEW DELHI: EXPORTS UP 23% IN SEPT; IMPORTS LEAVE BIG TRADE GAP

Exports shot up by 23.2 per cent year-on-year to $18.02 billion in September this fiscal, while faster import expansion increased concerns over the widening trade gap.
During the month, imports grew by 26.1 per cent to $27.14 billion, the Commerce Secretary, Mr Rahul Khullar, said here on Monday.
For the first half of 2010-11 fiscal, exports aggregated $103.30 billion, up by 27.6 per cent. Cumulative imports during this period went up to $166.5 billion leaving a large trade gap of $63.2 billion. Trade deficit for September alone stood at $9.12 bi llion.
Mr Khullar attributed the increase in exports to a “very strong” low base of comparison last fiscal, when the global trade was hit by economic slowdown worldwide.
He said September was the “first month in which, exports were higher than (for a month) 2008-09”. — PTI

Source: Indian Post

OVER 100 GUESTS CELEBRATE THE NEW SANET BUSINESS CENTRE IN BANGKOK AND BECAME A MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

The new business centre in Bangkok is only 6 km and 8 minutes by car from the airport, a modern office complex has been built which will not only house the Sanet team’s Southeast Asian headquarters. It will also offer Sanet clients or transient business people conference rooms with video conferencing facilities, ADSL 16,000, exhibition rooms, rental offices, workstations and even a driving service.
With its new ASEAN head office in Bangkok, Sanet can offer additional office services alongside its traditional consultancy areas of strategic development, investment, business development, sourcing and outsourcing. In October 2010, Sanet became a member of the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, AMCHAM, in Thailand. As a Thai consultancy firm, it is particularly important for Sanet (Thailand) Co. Ltd. to promote close ties between Thai business and western investors, along with the American principles of free market and fair employment practices. This is also reflected in Sanet being accepted as an associate of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) in July 2010. The good relationship between local and international companies in Southeast Asia helps Sanet to achieve its target of linking regional, medium-sized firms in Southeast Asia with western investors.

Source: Sanet

STRONG INCREASE OF TRADE EXCHANGES BETWEEN ITALY AND IRAN

Antonio Avallone, director of ICE Teheran, depicts the main aspects of an economy characterized from high potential


From November 10 to 11, 2010, Teheran was host to the Iranian stage of the itinerant seminar organized from Gimav in collaboration with ICE. The workshop formula well matches with the need of Iranian operators who, as confirmed from Antonio Avallone, the director of ICE Teheran “are continuously looking for the most recent technological novelties and who usually recognize to Europe, in particular to Germany and Italy, a range of quality products. B2B meetings, too, prove to be the most effective means of communication to reply to some more specific questions about technical problems met from local companies during the various steps of the manufacturing process”.
Hence, many field operators usually attend workshops in Iran. They are entrepreneurs or production managers made curious from new technologies. Unfortunately, the lack in Iran of an Association of category as well as of specialized magazines dedicated to this sector remarkably limits the capability of properly promoting initiatives in Teheran and on the whole national territory.
The commercial exchanges between Italy and Iran in the period January-July 2010 recorded a strong increase in comparison with the same period of the previous year (+90.25%). “Our exports to Iran,” says Avallone, “increased to 1.7 billion Euro achieving a result by far higher than the world average, even more when considering that most of our wares to Iran are made up of tools (+54.5%)”. It’s true that the high appraisal of Euro together with the high interest rates that Europe is being paying after the introduction of sanctions towards Iran is strongly penalizing Italian undertakings to the benefit of Asian products, mainly from China.

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MALAYSIA: MASSIVE PROMOTION OF „GREEN” PROJECTS

Malaysian’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak has dedicated himself to green technology. Immediately following two government programmes to promote renewable energy industries, there is now a new, important initiative: a new law is on the table which in the future, much like Germany, ensures the introduction of a feed-in agreement to the national grid for renewable energy with legally guaranteed prices. Businesses dealing in renewable energies will be designated “Pioneer Industries” and will receive tax benefits for ten years or alternatively, will be able to reduce their tax to “zero” through special write-offs. In the past, green initiatives have largely failed in Malaysia because their costs were borne by industry alone. With the advent of the planned legislation, Malaysia is providing the necessary incentives for private companies to get involved in green technology – a big step forward and a clear movement in the “green” direction. Sanet Partner Dr. Klaus Brachetti advises companies from Europe who are interested in entering this segment in Malaysia.

Source: Sanet

THAILAND: AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY GROWS TO ALMOST 3 MILLION VEHICLES PER YEAR

In the future, the Kingdom will maintain and expand its leading role in automotive manufacturing. As reported by the Thai “Automotive Institute”, five international automotive manufacturers have bid on the government-sponsored ECO vehicle project. Ford (USA) has also announced the production of a new compact vehicle in Thailand. Ford and NISSAN also have a planned joint venture to build small cars in Thailand. These three projects together should increase annual automobile production in Thailand from around 1.8 million to 2.7 million vehicles. This is a further example of Thailand’s leading role in the Southeast Asian automotive industry.

Source: Sanet

OMNIDECOR IN COLLABORATION WITH THE SPANISH ARCHITECT JULIO JOSE MEJON ARTIGAS

Omnidecor is participating in the project for the high-profile dentistry clinic designed by architect Julio Jose Mejon Artigas in Lleida, in the province of Barcelona.
The innovative building weds an ultra-contemporary and futuristic look with a functional development of space. The Spanish architect chose Omnidecor’s DECORGEM glass in the colors Giada (Jade) and Menta (Mint) with acid-etched finishing to emphasize the modern and essential look of the building. The unique process of fusing color within the glass provides Decorgem with high-impact and smooth colors, creating amazing effects in the coverings and partitions of buildings. The architect brilliantly combined the different greens, matching the softer Jade color to the more brilliant Mint, to achieve a distinctive design pattern in the clinic’s exterior.

Source: Omnidecor

XINYI GLASS TO OPEN ULTRA-THIN ELECTRONIC GLASS PLANT IN WUHU

Xinyi Glass Holdings Ltd. has signed a letter of intent with Wuhu city in China’s Anhui province to set up a plant that will make ultra-thin electronic glass products, the company said in an e-mailed statement today. The company also said it plans to invest HK$250 million in a project to generate electricity from the residual heat generated by its float-glass furnaces.

Source: Business week