The Government of Belarus has approved a plan that would see glass output triple in this Eastern EU nation by 2010. The country's largest glassmaker, Gomesteklo, plans a second line by 2008 to make sheet polished glass. It will be able to produce 450/tpd float glass. The state-owned Borisov Cut Glass Plant, based near Minsk, plans to invest and introduce the production of glass tubes, ampoules and pharmaceutical containers by 2008. Also planned is an upgrade to the silica sand production facilities operated by Gomel Concentration Plant. The aim is to produce sufficient sand for local glass tableware companies to make enough products to satisfy domestic demand and to start exporting products. Belarus also plans investments to improve and refurbish facilities at other glass plants in the nation.
