Pilkington North America Begins Progressive Glass Furnace Repair at Illinois Plant

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). Pilkington North America Incorporated (London:688462) (Toledo, Ohio) has embarked on a progressive four-phase repair of a 500-ton-per-day glass melting furnace at the company's Ottawa, Illinois, plant. Pilkington has already committed $11 million on the first two phases of the project. Phase 1, which is complete, involved the addition of a new propane firing system for the furnace, as well as a new emergency power system. Phase 2, which is underway, involves a new furnace cooling water system and a new site power supply.

Phases 3 and 4 will involve construction of a new batch house and replacement of the furnace. Funds have not been appropriated for phases 3 and 4 of the progressive repair. The company is not expected to make a decision on phases 3 and 4 until 2008. If all phases are carried out, Pilkington will invest a total of $60 million on this project.

The plant performed a mini-repair to the furnace in July 2002. The crown was fixed and regenerators were replaced during this time, extending the furnace life to 2008. Industrialinfo.com has been tracking the project since 2002.

Founded in 1826, Pilkington is one of the world's largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for buildings and vehicles. The company employs 23,900 people worldwide and has 25 manufacturing plants in 24 countries. Pilkington's sales come from Europe (56%), North America (35%), South America (5%), and the Asia-Pacific region (4%). Pilkington is recognized as the world's technological leader in glass and invests over $60 million a year on research and development.

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