NSG Group expands Solar Energy and Touch Screen glass capacity in Vietnam
The NSG Group has announced plans to build two new value-added float lines in Vietnam to increase its production of specialist products to supply the growing Solar Energy and Touch Screen sectors. The move is in line with the expansion plans outlined in the Group's Strategic Management Plan (SMP) announced in November 2010.
The first of the two new float lines will be fitted with online coating equipment for the production of coated glass for use in thin-film type photovoltaic applications, the market for which is steadily expanding.
The second is specially designed to help to meet the growing demand for very thin high tech float glass products. The NSG Group is the world-leading supplier of ultra-thin glass for small LCD applications. NSG Ultra Fine Flat glass (UFF) products are increasingly being used in the growing touch panel market, particularly in mobile devices and computers.
The total investment will be in the order of USD 320 million (JPY 26 billion), with both lines due to start production in calendar year 2013. It is estimated that approximately 400 jobs will be created locally as a result of the investment.
The new float lines will be constructed at the My Xuan site in southern Vietnam, in which the Group already operates a float line dedicated to Solar Energy products. The implementation of the new investment is subject to the approval of relevant Vietnamese government authorities.
The additional lines will enable the NSG Group to optimize capacity management on the site, to meet demand for both export and domestic markets.
The new investment will bring the NSG Group's online coating float lines producing solar energy products to seven (one in Japan, two in North America, two in Europe and two in Vietnam) and those dedicated to UFF production to two (one in Japan and one in Vietnam) maintaining the Group's global leadership position in these fast-growing segments.