Huge Expansions at Guardian Dewitt Plant

Guardian Industries float glass plant in DeWitt is adding a new state-of-the-art coating machine. The glass coater is part of a $46-million, 70,000-square-foot building expansion that will create 40 new jobs.

The coater -- the most technologically advanced in the world -- will allow the plant to produce residential and commercial glass that meets or exceeds U.S. energy standards thereby addressing the rising cost of energy for home and building owners. The plant will service window customers and commercial fabricators throughout the United States but targets those operating in the upper Midwest.

"Guardian Industries is bringing new technology in the glass-coating industry to its DeWitt plant that will provide Iowa companies, as well as others, with a unique advantage in the residential and commercial window market," said Mike Blouin, director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development. "We are excited to have this expansion occur in Iowa."

The company´s decision to expand in Iowa was influenced by the Iowa Department of Economic Development and other local and state officials. The IDED announced today that the company would receive tax benefits as part of the state´s Enterprise Zone program.

"We have received great support from the IDED, East Iowa Planning and Development Commission, the governor and mayor´s office and the DeWitt Economic Development Agency," said plant general manager Pat Tuttle. "They all worked hard to convince us that DeWitt was the right place for this project."

"Guardian is important to the economy and the community of DeWitt," said DeWitt Mayor Don Thiltgen. "The company and its employees contribute their time, energy and resources to making this a great place to live and work and we´re thrilled they´ve decided to expand in DeWitt."

Guardian is a diversified global manufacturing company headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with leading positions in float glass, fabricated glass products, fiberglass insulation and other building materials for commercial, residential and automotive markets. Through its Science & Technology Center, Guardian is at the forefront of innovation including development of high performance glass coatings and other advanced products. Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 19,000 people and operate facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Visit www.guardian.com.