NSG announced the start of commercial production from Jan/07, by the float glass plant in Chuangshu, China, newly constructed by Pilkington Group Ltd, a member of NSG Group. This plant is one of the technically advanced glass lines ever to be commissioned in China & to be operated by Chuangshu SYP Special Glass Co., Ltd., a 50/50 joint venture between Pilkington & Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Co Ltd. With a total project cost of around US$90M, the plant is capable of producing around 180,000/tpa. The line, which produces 2-12mm thickness high quality clear & tinted glass for building products & automo glass markets for the region & for export. The new plant is expected to generate annual revenues of over US$40m. Approximately 200 jobs have been created directly & many more indirectly by the project. Chuangshu is located in southeast Jiangsu Province, 90 km away from Shanghai. With easy access, good public utilities, competitive cost and favorable policies, it has attracted many domestic and foreign investors. The Chinese market constitutes around a third of world market for glass and it still has considerable potential for high quality float glass. The venture demonstrates the Group's commitment to expanding its business in China.
