Pilkington says the markets for building products remain difficult, with the exception of the UK and Australia where demand has been strong. The slowdown in continental European markets in the second half of last year continues to affect its European Building Products business, which represents around 60% of Building Products sales in total. Because of the reduced level of demand, Pilkington extended the planned shutdown for cold repairs of its float glass plants at Gladbeck in Germany and in Venice, Italy. Both plants are now back to full production. The European automotive glass business accounts for approximately half the Group's automotive glass sales. EU light vehicle sales and production were around 4% down on the first half of last year, with only the UK market showing signs of growth. Despite lower vehicle production, sales have held up.
