With its new Aniche-Emerchicourt float line, Saint-Gobain invests in the continuity of its plants and jobs in the region

Saint-Gobain has inaugurated its new flat glass (float) production plant located in Aniche-Emerchicourt.At the leading edge of glass technologies in France, the manufacturing equipment has been completely renovated and modernized for a total investment of €30m.With an annual output of 20 million m², this float also emerges strengthened in terms of market opportunities: it now 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.The result of the Saint-Gobain Group’s know-how and R&D, the renovated furnace also boasts new technical and environmental performances: around 10% higher plant productivity, 25% lower energy consumption and 20% fewer 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, affirms Patrick Dupin, President of Saint-Gobain’s Flat Glass sector.