An AU$ 130M upgrade of the Pilkington factory at Dandenong in the Australian state of Victoria is expected to create 50 jobs. The plant, which currently employs 311, will be refurbished by late 2008 to produce what the company claims are state-of-the-art, environmentally efficient glass products. The modernised plant will produce energy-saving glass for buildings, self-cleaning glass that virtually eliminated water use and glass for solar energy production, the company said. "This demonstrates a significant commitment to manufacturing in Victoria in the long-term," Pilkington Australia president Laurie Kruger said. Mr Kruger said the investment, which includes a State Government assistance package, would help Pilkington penetrate export markets and reduce Australia's reliance on imported glass. "This important upgrade will lower unit production costs while supporting manufacturing jobs in Victoria", he said.
