Pilkington to Start Construction of Automotive Plant in Vizag, India
NSG announces the start of construction of an Automotive fabrication plant in Vishakhapatnam, India. The plant, which is expected to begin production by summer 2008, will be operated by Pilkington Group Limited ("Pilkington"), a member of NSG Group.
The total project cost of Phase 1 is aroiund 15 million Euro and the plant will be capable of producing almost 500,000 vehicle windscreens per year. Approximately 350 jobs will be created directly and indirectly by the project.
Vishakhapatnam is located in the State of Andhra Pradesh on the east coast of India, near the centre of the country. The site is located in a region which is well supported by the government with favourable investment policies and a competitive cost structure. The area is projected to be a high growth region in India and is attracting many domestic and foreign investors. It is well served with the necessary infrastructure such as good road and rail facilities for easy access, good utilities and, being on the sea, has a world class port and container terminal through which raw materials can easily be brought in and products exported.
The Indian Automotive market is growing rapidly and is projected to have in excess of 7.5 million vehicles produced by 2020. The Indian economy is growing at a rate of over 9 per cent per year and the Automotive sector has grown by over 20 per cent per year in recent years.
Pat Zito, President of the Automotive Business within NSG Group's Global Flat Glass Business said. "This investment demonstrates the Group's commitment to expanding its business in India and it is a key element in our overall strategy to be the world's number one glass and glazing supplier".