AGC to Build a Second Float Glass Production Plant in Brazil

AGC Asahi Glass (AGC), a world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, announced today that it will invest approximately EUR 147 million (JPY 18 billion) in its consolidated subsidiary, AGC Glass Brazil, to build a second float glass production plant in the southeast region of Brazil. The new plant is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018, which will increase AGC’s glass production capacity in the country to 2.4 times the current level.

Positioning “business expansion in emerging markets” as one of its growth strategies, AGC established AGC Glass Brazil in 2011 and its operations started in 2013. Today, AGC Glass Brazil manufactures and supplies float glass for architectural and automotive uses, mirrors, fabricated glass products for architectural use, and laminated/tempered automotive glass.  Its business is showing steady growth with increased market awareness for the high-quality, wide-ranging products and services.

With a relatively young population of approximately 200 million people and abundant natural resources, Brazil is expected to maintain its economic growth from a medium and long-term perspective. The demand for architectural glass and automotive glass is also projected to grow. In such a business environment, AGC will enhance its production capacity in Brazil to 530,000 tons per year, up 310,000 tons from the current 220,000 tons a year.

Under its management policy, AGC plus, the AGC Group aims to increase sales by capturing growing demand in emerging countries.