AGC Glass Europe is to restart its float glass furnace at Boussois, northern France, in April 2017. The furnace has been shut down since 2013. Its re-entry into service has been prompted by several interlinked factors, including economic improvement in Western and Central Europe impacting glass demand, sustained demand for automotive glass, which now accounts for a growing part of the group's capacity and the programmed shut down for repair of other furnaces in the group. After refurbishment, the Boussois float furnace with its adjustable capacity of up to 650/tpd will be able to meet glass demand from the EU and overseas glass markets and to improve customer service. Its restart will also lead to the creation of around 20 jobs at the site, which currently employs 207 people.
