In accordance with agreements finalized in April 2005, France's Saint-Gobain has increased its share of voting rights in Hankuk Glass Industries (HGI) from 46% to 80.47%, taking control of the S Korean firm. Hankuk Glass Industries manufactures & processes glass for the architectural/automotive markets & is also present in certain specialty glass segments. In 2004, the company achieved a turnover of KRW 323BN (or around EUR 227M) with a workforce of 774 people. HGI is present mainly in Korea, China & Japan. Following on from the long-established partnership existing between Saint-Gobain & Hankuk Glass Industries in the flat glass sector, essentially in Korea and China, Saint-Gobain says the operation serves to strengthen its positions in Asia & is consistent with the group strategy of development in emerging countries
