Saint-Gobain Reopens Aniche-Emerchicourt Float Plant in Northern France

Saint-Gobain has inaugurated its float glass production plant located in Aniche-Emerchicourt in the North of France, according to a May 23 announcement. The manufacturing equipment has been completely renovated and modernized for a total investment of about $34 million. With an annual output of 20 million square meters, the line produces glass for both the construction and the automotive markets.

After being mothballed four years against the backdrop of an unprecedented economic crisis, the renewal of the Aniche-Emerchicourt float line marks the sustainable and social industrial rooting of Saint-Gobain in this region. After taking exceptional measures to preserve jobs, Saint-Gobain ensures the continuity of the plant and its processing workshops over the long term (the new furnace has an estimated service life of 20 years), reenergizing at the same time the activity of local and regional subcontractors, according to the announcement.

The renovated furnace also boasts new technical and environmental performances: a 10 percent increase in plant productivity, 25 percent decrease in energy consumption and a 20 percent decrease in CO2 emissions compared to the previous facility.

“I would like to pay tribute to the experienced teams at Aniche with whom we have installed a modern and energy-efficient manufacturing facility serving our market and local employment. With the recent repairing of the float line in Salaise, this investment in Aniche is a tangible sign of our commitment to industry in France,” said Patrick Dupin, president of Saint-Gobain’s Flat Glass sector, in the announcement.