Asian Investment Continues Apace

Asahi Glass Co is expected to invest a sum, believed to be at least Rs500m into its joint venture, Float Glass India. The Indian company manufactures both float glass and automotive glass but has been making a loss since it began operating in March 1995. Despite the losses, Asahi is optimistic that the Indian glass market will improve with the growth of the motor and construction industries and also as the demand for better forms of glass increases. Separately, Asahi Glass has expanded its float glass operations in China in collaboration with PPG. The plants in Dalian and Shenzen supply automotive glass. PPG originally opened the factory in Shenzen, on the Hong Kong boarder but has asked Asahi to adopt a greater management role. (whole)