Pilkington To Build Float Plant In France

Pilkington has issued a trading update ahead of its interim results. Chief executive Paolo Scaroni commented, "Trading in the first half of the year has been in line with expectations and our underlying growth reflects the improved competitiveness of the group in its key markets, particularly in Europe." Pilkington has an increasing requirement for float glass in western Europe and the group is to construct a new float glass plant in western France. It will incorporate all the latest advances in Pilkington technology and will also include a jumbo laminating line and jumbo coating line. Construction will commence shortly and the plant is scheduled to come on stream at the end of 2001 or early in 2002.