Guardian Glass selects Carleton, Michigan site for new jumbo coater

Guardian Glass’ new jumbo coater will be installed at its Carleton, Michigan glass manufacturing complex.Architects are increasingly designing projects with larger glass sizes to deliver desired aesthetics with more expansive views and higher daylight penetration, explains Rick Zoulek, vice president - Americas, Guardian Glass. Guardian’s new jumbo coater will combine the larger size glass that architects demand with the world-class energy savings of the Guardian SunGuard® portfolio of high performance, low-E coatings.By coating glass in jumbo sizes, Guardian can:» Supply larger sheets of coated glass to its customers for fabrication into finished insulating glass units for glass facades and windows;» Significantly reduce lead times;» Create value for Guardian customers by increasing their product offerings, and allowing them to reduce inventory and waste.We’re pleased to have the support of the Village of Carleton, Ash Township Planning Commission, Monroe County Business Development Corp. and Michigan Economic Development Corporation and are excited to move forward on this project that will increase our ability to serve the glass and building industries, while augmenting our existing Carleton facilities, says Gerry Hool, Carleton plant manager, Guardian Glass. By co-locating the jumbo coater with our only U.S. plant with two float glass lines, we will support Guardian customers by increasing product and service offerings and innovating faster.Guardian has a longstanding commitment to our community, adds Robin Carmack, Ash Township Supervisor. This investment reinforces our important partnership, and we look forward to continuing to build upon it in the years ahead.The site is also strategically located across from the company’s leading Science and Technology Center.Guardian Industries has deep roots in Michigan and we are pleased that it has selected the state as the location for its investment in this advanced glass technology, says Michigan Economic Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Steve Arwood.The Guardian SunGuard glass product line for commercial applications offers excellent solar control and a wide variety of colors and performance levels. SunGuard glass products provide innovative, leading solutions for appearance, economics and energy efficiency, and are available through an international network of independent Guardian Select® fabricators.