Saint-Gobain unveils 3 facilities at its world glass complex

The Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M.K.Stalin, inaugurated – Float Glass Plant, an Integrated Windows Line and Saint-Gobain – SIPCOT Urban Forest at Saint-Gobain’s World Glass Complex at Sriperumbudur, in the presence of Mr.Benoit Bazin, CEO of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain and Mr.B.Santhanam, CEO, Asia Pacific & India Region, Saint-Gobain.

Having invested in Tamil Nadu for over 2 decades, Saint-Gobain is giving a thrust to the Tamil Nadu Government’s Vision of $1 Tn Economy, Housing and Green Tamil Nadu Mission.

Set up with an investment in excess of INR 500 Crs, these facilities will provide employment to over 200 people and take the cumulative investment in the World Glass Complex to more than INR 3750 Crs. Globally, the World Glass Complex at Sriperumbudur, continues to be the group’s single largest investment destination.

The then Honourable Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi laid the foundation stone of the first Float Glass Plant in January 1998 and inaugurated it in September 2000, catalyzing the growth of the Saint-Gobain group in India. Today, the plant has an expanded production capacity of 130% with a revolutionary design that will result in reducing the unit energy consumption by 20%. This Float Glass Plant Showcases Capacity, Capability, Technology and state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 features. Reflecting the group’s vision of being the reference for Light and Sustainable Construction, this plant will meet the emerging needs of Architectural, Automotive (including Electric Vehicles) and Solar applications, furthering the $1 Tn economy vision laid out by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. M. K. Stalin.

The Integrated Windows Line at the World Glass Complex is the World’s first and Asia’s largest fully integrated facility. Spread over 10,000 sqm, it will have an annual production capability of 100,000 windows by the end of 2022. The fully digitized and completely automated plant is backed by best-in-class innovation, research and testing to deliver the largest portfolio of UPVC Window products focusing on the evolving needs of Acoustics, Solar/Thermal Comfort and Security. This integrated windows line is well-aligned with Tamil Nadu Government’s thrust on Housing.

Reiterating Saint-Gobain’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and preserving the natural resources, the creation of Saint-Gobain – SIPCOT Urban Forest at Sriperumbudur demonstrates the Group’s commitment to bio-diversity. Urban forests play an important role in the ecology of human habitats in many ways; providing cleaner air, conserving water table, recharging soil and providing shelter to fauna.

Close to 60,000 trees spanning over 40 resilient native species have been planted over an area of 300,000 sqft at this urban forest. Ably supported by SIPCOT, this unique initiative will give rise to more such public-private partnerships. With this Urban Forest, Saint-Gobain is committed to the Tamil Nadu Government’s “Green Tamil Nadu Mission” to increase the state’s green cover to 33%.

Mr. Benoit Bazin, Chief Executive Officer, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, said “We began our greenfield investments in the country close to two and a half decades ago. We are very positive about our economic, business and social results. As a Group, we are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in line with our purpose of “Making the World a Better Home”. We provide solutions that combine performance and sustainability for hot and humid climates. We will continue to innovate by developing products and solutions that are lighter, recyclable and produced using “low-carbon” materials and processes. Our experience in India has been extremely good; we have sustained high growth rates for a long period and have leadership positions in building materials (Glass & Glass Solutions, Gypsum, Mortars, Insulation and Construction Chemicals). We are today, the No.1 company in Light & Sustainable Construction in India. We strongly believe in India’s future and have consistently invested ahead of time in Capacity, Capability, Technology, Innovation and People. I am glad that with today’s investments, the World Glass Complex continues to be a shining example of the faith that we have in India and in the state of Tamil Nadu”.

Mr. B Santhanam, CEO, Saint-Gobain Asia Pacific & India Region said – “Tamil Nadu is the most urbanized state in India today, focusing on Housing, Construction & Infrastructure. This opens up huge opportunities for us as we are a leader in Light & Sustainable Construction and are well-placed to provide building solutions that combine performance and sustainability. With investments close to INR 4700 Crs in Tamil Nadu across 15 plants in four locations, consistently exceeding the MOU investment commitments made to Tamil Nadu Government, we are wellpoised to support the Government’s growth ambition.”

Mr. A R Unnikrishnan, Managing Director, Saint-Gobain India Private Limited-Glass Business said – “In the flat glass industry over the last two decades, Saint-Gobain has consistently invested in People, Processes, Technology and Innovation. Today, with 5 plants, we have over 50% of India’s float glass manufacturing capacity. 60% of our float glass investments are in Tamil Nadu in the World Glass Complex, a unique location anywhere in the world, which manufactures the entire range of products comprising Clear Glass, Tinted Glass, Mirrors, Solar Control Glass, Lacquered Glass, Advanced Glass (Insulated, Toughened and Laminated) and Security Glass (Fire-safe, Bullet and Blast Resistant). The World Glass Complex is also an export house that accounts for over 90% of value-added flat glass exports from India. The Float Glass Plant and Integrated Windows Line that are being inaugurated today, will further enhance our capacity and capability to deliver world-class products & solutions. We are thankful to SIPCOT for joining hands with us in setting up the Urban Forest to expand the Green cover of the state and showcasing this unique public-private partnership.