Owens Corning announced that it plans to invest $ 50 million at its composite manufacturing facility in Chambéry, France, to rebuild a glass melting furnace to expand capacity by about 25%.
This investment will meet the growing demand for thermoplastics in the European market. The advanced glass melting furnace is expected to be put into operation by mid-2018.
'This investment will meet our customers' growing demand for thermoplastic chopped strands and ensure that we continue to deliver consistently high quality products. "Owens Corning Vice President and Director of Fiberglass Reinforcement Europe and Global Thermoplastic Products Business Umberto Rigamonti, Managing Director, said, "Our composite business is backed by a strong global presence with R & D centers and assets available in five countries dedicated to supporting the growing number of composite applications. The strategy for the Chambéry plant in France Investment will strengthen our value proposition to our thermoplastic customers and support their growth plans. '
After reconstruction, all thermoplastic chopped strand products at the Chambéry plant will be based on Advantex boron-free glass, which helps reduce emissions compared to standard alkali-free glass, reducing the environmental impact of producing fiberglass and, at the same time, Provides excellent performance for composites used in corrosive environments.