Group Reports Increase In Turnover

Saint-Gobain has recorded a 13% rise in turnover for the first quarter of 1998 to FFr27.62bn. With comparable structure, the group's sales increased by 10% and 7.7% in national currencies. By business unit, the biggest increase, of 23% to FFr2.4bn, was recorded by piping. Packaging saw an increase of 6.5% to FFr5.3bn, while sales in the Group's glazing business rose by 15% to FFr3.7bn. Separately, Saint-Gobain has opened a new plant in Prague specialising in the production of flat glass for the construction industry. The plant, which will employ 40 people, will trade as Saint-Gobain Sklo CR.