August 05, 2008 | Hi-Tech NewsOwens Corning to Expand Composite Manufacturing Capacity in Russia in 2009To meet the growing market demand, Owens Corning will more than double the production capacity of its glass fiber composites facility in Gous-Khrustalny, Russia. The expansion leverages the 2007 acquisition of the Saint-Gobain composite businesses by building on Owens Corning’s current platform in Russia to take advantage of strong market demand.
The expanded facility will produce a complete range of composite products using Owens Corning's best technology for glass fiber production and fabrication. It will incorporate the company's patented Advantex® and advanced glass-melting technology platforms that bring world-class energy efficiency and emissions control in manufacturing, while providing customers with unique product benefits including corrosion resistance and high strength.
The expanded facility will meet growing global demand for glass fiber composite products in infrastructure, wind energy, construction, electronics and automotive markets. This expansion establishes a foundation for the addition of a technical fabrics operation that will fully capture the growth of wind energy and distribution in Western Europe. The growth rate of glass fiber composite demand in Russia is estimated to be greater than 10 percent per year, nearly twice the rate of gross domestic product (GDP) around the world.
Construction is planned to begin in 2008, with start-up anticipated by the end of 2009. The facility will continue full production during the expansion process. Owens Corning acquired the Gous-Khrustalny, Russia, production facility as part of its 2007 acquisition of Saint-Gobain's composites business.
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