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| Saint-Gobain, SAGE Electrochromics join forces Saint-Gobain Glass has acquired 50 percent of the equity of the U.S. company SAGE Electrochromics for the large-scale manufacture of electrochromic glass. Activated by a low-voltage current, electrochromic glass adapts its light and heat transmission – and so its tint – to the level of sunlight and the building's ambient temperature, without hindering external visibility. It significantly reduces the amount of energy consumed for air conditioning, heating and lighting, and enhances occupant comfort and well-being. For architects, it creates an aesthetic and efficient alternative to the current and prevalent use of mechanical window shades and blinds which currently dominate the market. Saint-Gobain Glass and SAGE will build the world's first large-scale electrochromic glass plant in Faribault, Minnesota (United States). The project which started in November 2010 will cost about 135 million US dollars. It will act as the spearhead for electrochromic technology worldwide. The new plant will have an annual production capacity of more than 370,000 square meters (4 million square feet) of electrochromic glass with sizes ranging up to 1.5 x 3.5 meters (5 x 10 feet), much larger than currently available in the market. The plant is scheduled to begin production starting in mid-2012. Leveraging the resultant economies of scale, this innovative glass will be sold at an affordable price. SAGE will remain an independent company and continue to market its SageGlass products in North America where they are used in hundreds of up-market commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Saint-Gobain will market SageGlass under the QUANTUM GLASS brand in Europe. The two companies will work together to develop a marketing strategy for Asia and the rest of the world, leveraging Saint-Gobain's distribution partnerships. Two members of the Saint-Gobain management team – Jean-Pierre Floris, Senior Vice-President of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain and President of the Innovative Materials Sector, and Francois-Xavier Moser, Saint-Gobain Glass Solutions Managing Director – will join the SAGE Board of Directors, which will also have two representatives of the existing shareholders as well as two independent directors. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |