Owens Corning (Toledo, Ohio; www.owenscorning.com) has announced plans to invest $50 million to rebuild a glass melter and expand production capacity by approximately 25% at its Chambéry, France, composites manufacturing facility. The investment will support the growing demand for thermoplastics in Europe. The state-of-the-art melter is expected to be operational by mid-2018.
“This investment will support our customers’ growth in the thermoplastic chopped strand market by ensuring that we continue providing consistent, high-quality products,” said Umberto Rigamonti, Owens Corning’s Vice President and Managing Director of Glass Reinforcements Europe and Global Thermoplastic Products. “Our Composites business benefits from a strong global footprint, R&D centers in five countries, and assets available and committed to support the increasing adoption of composites. The strategic investment in Chambéry strengthens our value proposition to thermoplastic customers, supporting our respective growth agendas.”
After the rebuild, all thermoplastic chopped-strand products from the Chambéry facility will be based on boron-free Advantex glass. Advantex glass contributes to decreased emissions and reduces the environmental impact of manufacturing fiberglass, compared to standard E-glass.