Saint Gobain Or Regulatory News (COD)

29 May 2008 10:16



May 27, 2008

Saint-Gobain develops its presence on the solar mirrors market

Through its subsidiary La Veneciana de Saint-Gobain, the Flat Glass Sector of Saint-Gobain has decided to extend its presence on the solar mirrors market. The plant extension at Covilis (Portugal) will enable the Group to supply the Iberian Peninsula's thermo-solar market with parabolic cylindrical mirrors.

The Covilis site was chosen for this major investment on account of the plant's expertise as a manufacturer of specialized products for the photovoltaic and solar market. In addition, the Portuguese capital's neighboring port provides maritime access to a number of export markets. With the first contracts already signed totaling tens of millions of euros, shipments will begin in the first half of 2009.

Saint-Gobain and the growth of solar business

Already the leading supplier of high-energy transmitting glass for traditional photovoltaic cells using crystalline silicon, Saint-Gobain is developing a complete product offering. This includes conductive-coated glass for new generation thin-film photovoltaic cells, solar-cells supplied through its joint subsidiary with Shell, flat and now curved mirrors for solar concentrators.

Saint-Gobain has developed curved mirrors for solar concentrators, a product which is particularly weather-resistant and provides installations with excellent long-term performance. Solar concentrators equipped with curved mirrors are very competitive compared with other solar-based energy-producing solutions. Business is expected to grow strongly, especially in southern Europe, the southern United States and in the Middle East.

The Flat Glass sector of Saint-Gobain, the European leader and number two worldwide, manufactures, processes and sells glass products for two main markets: building and transport. In 2007, it reported net sales of €5.6 billion. 

Investor Relations Department

Mrs Florence Triou-Teixeira Tel.: +33 1 47 62 45 19 

Mr Alexandre Etuy Tel.: +33 1 47 62 37 15

Mr Vivien Dardel Tel.: +33 1 47 62 44 29

Fax.: +33 1 47 62 50 62