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Installation of new state-of-the-art equipment increases ability to meet demand for high-performance fluoropolymer thin-film products.
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics celebrated the completed expansion of its Worcester, Massachusetts, extrusion facility at a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The investment more than doubles Saint-Gobain's fluoropolymer (ETFE and FEP) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) film manufacturing capability to produce films for photovoltaic (solar) products.
The company is now capable of extruding fluoropolymer film, such as LightSwitch™ ETFE for the photovoltaic (PV) market, at widths up to 80 inches (two meters) with a range of thickness from .0005" (12.5 µm) to .016" (400 µm). The installation of cutting-edge extrusion equipment allows Saint-Gobain to meet an increased demand for high-performance fluoropolymer film products for the PV, architectural and composite markets.
"The completion of this expansion project allows Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics to expand capacity of high-performance thin-film fluoropolymer materials for strategic growth markets that we've supported for many years," says Dave Williams, General Manager, Films Business Unit, Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics. "Saint-Gobain has made this investment to better serve our customers, supporting their growth, as well as our own."
As part of the expansion, Saint-Gobain has also added capacity for C-treatment, a proprietary surface treatment for fluoropolymers, and a specialized line to produce its patent-pending LightSwitch® Complete product. In addition, the investment has created new jobs at the Worcester extrusion facility, providing a boost to the local economy.
About Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
A worldwide leader in solar energy services, Saint-Gobain boasts a long and successful history in the construction materials market. Nearly 350 years of history, marked by technical revolutions and commercial successes, has made Saint-Gobain an ever-present industry player. Today, Saint-Gobain is combining its traditional field of expertise, housing and construction, with its solar technology know-how. The company's commitment to continual innovation aims to people's lives more comfortable, economical and sustainable throughout the world. Saint-Gobain reaffirms the company's commitment to making solar energy a springboard of growth and innovation. For more information, please visit www.pv.saint-gobain.com.
About Saint-Gobain Worldwide
Saint-Gobain, the world leader in habitat markets, provides innovative solutions to meet today's challenges of growth, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. With 2010 sales of $53.2 billion, Saint-Gobain operates in 64 countries and nearly 190,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain, please visit http://www.saint-gobain.com.
About Saint-Gobain in North America
Saint-Gobain, the world's largest building products manufacturer, has its North American headquarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. As the world leader in sustainable habitat, Saint-Gobain is committed to inventing solutions to help professionals and communities around the world build and renovate comfortable, healthy, economical and energy efficient buildings. The company has over 265 locations in North America, and approximately 19,000 employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately $7.3 billion in 2010. Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Saint-Gobain earned the 2011 ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. For information about Saint-Gobain in North America, visit http://www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com.
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http://www.pv.saint-gobain.com
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Julia DiCorleto
Business Manager, Photovoltaics & Extruded Films
508 595-3084
Julia.DiCorleto@saint-gobain.com
http://www.pv.saint-gobain.com