Pilkington shares jumped recently after the glassmaker unveiled the world's first "self-cleaning" glass at a meeting of City analysts. The "Activ" self-cleaning glass, which the company reckons could boost sales by over £300m/year, has a proprietary dual action coating that reacts to sunlight and rain to wash away dirt particles over the life of the product. The company's estimated sales of Activ is based only on use for exterior windows on residential buildings, although analysts said the glass could also be used for car windscreens. Pilkington reported group turnover of £2.7bn in 2000. Stephen Rawlinson, at Peel Hunt, who attended the briefing said: "I was uncertain when the announcement came on the screen this morning, but having been to the presentation I think it could be a great winner for the company." He recommended clients buy the stock to 150p.
