AGC Flat Glass Italia officially inaugurates new float line at its Cuneo plant


On November 3rd, 2017, AGC Flat Glass Italia officially inaugurated its new float line in Cuneo. After a cold repair process of three months and an investment of around 25 million euros, the new float presents high-end technologies that will enhance the plant's productivity and its environmental impact in addition to improving the performance of the existing product ranges produced in Cuneo. The opening ceremony was attended by the AGC Group President and CEO, Takuya Shimamura, the Regional President - Building & Industrial Glass Europe, Philippe Bastien, representatives of the local authorities and the press. 

A modernised and “greener” plant
During the summer, renovation work was carried out on the Cuneo plant using the most innovative design techniques. The upgraded float line will significantly increase the plant capacity, reducing energy consumption by 25%, with a corresponding positive impact on its performance and product quality. Lower energy consumption also means a remarkable reduction in atmospheric emissions, with 50% less CO (carbon monoxide), 14% less CO2 (carbon dioxide) and 30% less NOx (nitrogen oxides).

Improved product ranges
The Cuneo site manufactures a wide range of products in various thicknesses, from 3 to 25 millimetres. Besides clear float, the site now also produces the renewed Planibel Linea Azzurra range, a float glass made solely in this plant. Available in thicknesses from 8 to 25 mm, this special glass has a slightly bluish tint. It is made from nickel-free materials without any inclusions, yielding a unique product that is easy to cut and process. It is therefore particularly suitable for large glazed surfaces and the most refined furniture creations.

In addition to these float products, the plant manufactures SMART solar control glazings as well as Planibel Clearsight, AGC’s anti-reflective glass, thanks to its four high-tech processing lines.

Restored competitiveness
“AGC Flat Glass Italia and its Cuneo plant are one of the outstanding features of the Group that I have the honour to lead. I am glad to be here today to celebrate this important goal achieved by the Italian management. This operation will increase our competitiveness on the market. Such a development will allow us to reach two aims: supporting our leadership with high-performance products and contributing to a sustainable future," says Takuya Shimamura, AGC Group's President and CEO.

“Increased capacity, extended range of products, greater energy efficiency and better environmental performance turn this refurbishment into a rebirth for Cuneo’s furnace. For the whole plant, that importantly means restored competitiveness on the way to long term sustainability,” adds Philippe Bastien, Regional President - Building & Industrial Glass Europe.
 



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AGC Glass Europe, a leader in flat glass

AGC Glass Europe is the European branch of AGC, the world’s leading flat glass producer. Its baseline, Glass Unlimited, reflects its core assets: innovative strength in advanced glass technologies, a global sales network and an industrial presence stretching from Spain to Russia.
AGC Glass Europe has representatives worldwide. See www.agc-yourglass.com for further addresses.
 

The AGC plant in Cuneo

The AGC plant in Cuneo started operations in 1963 and is today the largest glass production plant in the Italian construction sector. The plant stretches over 360,000 m2 and employs about 220 people. With a daily production of 600 tons of glass, it covers the needs of the Italian and overseas markets.  In addition to the float line (primary glass production), the site features processing facilities: laminated safety glass, mirrors, acid-etched windows and solar control coatings. The float line produces two types of primary glass:

  • 3 to 6 mm thick float glass: mainly used for products transformed at the same plant (laminated, mirrors, acid-etched, coatings)
  • 8 to 25mm thick float glass: the exclusive "Linea Azzurra" range, highly appreciated by architects and designers for particular interior design needs.