Float glass improvements

Guardian Glass is investing significantly in its float glass production plant in Goole, East Yorkshire, to increase the company’s ability to supply float glass, primarily to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, while improving the plant’s energy efficiency.

The cold tank repair, which began in April and should be completed by the end of April, will rebuild the furnace with one of the most advanced technologies available, the company said, and expand the melting capacity by 20% to 825 metric tons per day.

Guus Boekhoudt, executive vice president at Guardian Glass, said: “This work assures that Guardian can continue to support the evolving demands of our customers with greater capacity, efficiency and environmental stewardship. It also underscores our vision to be a preferred partner to our customers, suppliers, employees and communities based on a foundation of mutual benefit.”

With building products achieving the bronze Cradle to Cradle Certified Products Standard version 3.1, Guardian is committed to the Stewardship Framework. This core principle ensures that the company considers environmental, social and corporate governance priorities in its day-to-day operations as it strives to find more efficient uses of resources, continuously improve its products and services, and strengthens partnerships with local communities.

The Goole facility produces a wide range of float, coated and laminated glass products. Almost 100% of the solar control glass produced at the facility supplies projects within the UK.

Enhancements to the Goole facility include: a furnace with improved energy efficiency and increased output; enhanced automation to provide more reliable operations and reduce manual tasks – this enables team members to advance their skills by taking on more challenging responsibilities; and ongoing initiative to recycle cullet, which cuts energy consumption, reduces raw materials, and reduces waste.

“Operations transformation improves efficiency and effectiveness, which boosts productivity and gives Guardian Glass a competitive advantage,” Goole plant manager Chris Duguid said. “These changes are critical to demonstrate to our partners that we value them and will continue to support them with industry-leading products and services.”