Re Alliance
November 10 2010 - 2:49AM
UK Regulatory
TIDMCOD
RNS Number : 9280V
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain
10 November 2010
November 10, 2010
Saint-Gobain and SAGE Electrochromics join forces to build
the world's first
large-scale manufacture of electrochromic glass plant
Saint-Gobain Glass has acquired 50 percent of the equity of the U.S. company
SAGE Electrochromicsfor 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.
Currently, with more than 100 patents and 40 years' combined research
experience, the two companies develop the market's most widely recognized
electrochromic glass.
"This alliance heralds the start of a new revolution in the habitat glass
industry," said Jean-Pierre Floris, Senior Vice-President of Compagnie de
Saint-Gobain and President of the Innovative Materials Sector. "Thanks to the
partnership between Saint-Gobain and SAGE, we are providing electrochromic
advanced glazing that will be environmentally significant and affordable. SAGE
and Saint-Gobain, whose names are associated with some of the world's most
prestigious buildings, will now be providing the most efficient electrochromic
glazing to the international market through the certified distribution networks
of Sage and QUANTUM GLASS(TM)."
"Until now, electrochromic glass has been an emerging product, not widely
deployed due to cost and manufacturing challenges. This alliance will trigger
economies of scale, making possible a new era of high-performance windows that
are both eco-friendly and economically sound," said John Van Dine, SAGE Chief
Executive Office. "We are combining the best science and capabilities of the
world's two leading electrochromic technologies, and capitalizing on
Saint-Gobain's glassmaking experience, to deliver a product that's higher
quality and more durable than ever before, at half the cost of today's
electrochromic products. This alliance will dramatically accelerate global
adoption of this game-changing technology in both commercial and residential
markets."
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(TM) 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.
This strategic alliance will open up new prospects for architects and designers,
by providing creative, affordable and mass-market glass solutions used for the
design of comfortable, aesthetic, energy-saving and environmentally-friendly
buildings.
About Saint-Gobain
Saint-Gobain, the world leader in the habitat market, designs, manufactures, and
distributes building materials, providing innovative solutions to the challenges
of growth, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. With 2009 sales of
37.8 billion euros, Saint-Gobain operates in 64 countries and has more than
190,000 employees. For more information about Saint-Gobain, please visit
www.saint-gobain.com.
Created in 2009 as Saint-Gobain's new advanced glazing brand, QUANTUM GLASS(TM)
is unique in the marketplace in offering six fully integrated, energy-efficient
glass technologies, the expertise of a dedicated international network of
certified sales and installation professionals, and a guarantee of quality and
after-sales customer service. www.quantumglass.com
About SAGE Electrochromics, Inc.
SAGE Electrochromics, founded in 1989, is the world leader in the development,
manufacture and international commercialization of electronically tintable
dynamic glass - also known as electrochromic glass - for the building industry.
For more information about SAGE Electrochromics, Inc., please visit
www.sage-ec.com.
+-------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| | |
| Analyst & Investor relations | Press relations |
| | |
+-------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Saint-Gobain | Saint-Gobain |
| Florence TRIOU-TEIXERA +33 1 47 | Sophie CHEVALLON +33 1 47 62 |
| 62 45 19 | 30 48 |
| Etienne HUMBERT +33 | Sandrine DOUILHET +33 1 47 |
| 1 47 62 30 49 | 62 41 41 |
| Vivien DARDEL | |
| +33 1 47 62 44 29 | |
| | |
| | |
+ +-----------------------------------+
| | SAGE |
| | Ed Marshall +1 |
| | 603-559-5816 emarshall@beaupre.com |
+-------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
SALBMBRTMBIBMPM
Compagnie De Saint-gobain (LSE:COD)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Compagnie De Saint-gobain (LSE:COD)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024