The NSG Group has announced an investment of ￡ 36million in a coating plant online at Pilkington Park, adjacent to Cowley Hill site in St Helens. The Group, which acquired Pilkington plc in 2006 and is a major employer locally and the investment will create 50 skilled jobs and extend the successful learning partnership.
A prize of ￡ 5 million for the project has been conducted by the Regional Growth Fund, a government plan to boost growth in the private sector.
The coating line will become operational in October 2012 and allow the company to provide its customers with high performance products, low-emissivity glass, in addition to its well-established and widely used Pilkington K Glass and glass solar control.
David Pinder, president of Building Products in the UK and Southern Europe, said: "We are delighted that the government is supporting us in making this investment. This is excellent news not only for our company but also for local community. The new line will allow us to expand our range of high performance glass roof, allowing our customers to meet and exceed the regulations of the United Kingdom of energy saving building. UK Local manufacturing of some products currently importation of our plants in other parts of Europe will help reduce transport costs and environmental impact, according to our agenda of sustainability. "
Bob Hepworth, Director of Urban Regeneration and Housing, St Helens Council confirmed: "The investment strengthens the long-term future of float glass production in St. Helens. It also underpins the strategy of low-carbon City Region. This very significant amount of funding is a major boost to both society and the economy of the city. "
UK building regulations have been tightened since 2002, mandating the use of low emission products in new and replacement windows in homes. The new coating line will produce improved products to meet the most stringent regulations in the future. The widest range of products that meet a wide range of clients further and specific market requirements. It is estimated that installing energy efficient windows in all UK households could reduce national CO2 emissions by 10% and domestic energy consumption by 10% - saving of over ￡ 2 billion per year.