Manning Reductions at Cowley Hill & Greengate Float Glass Manufacturing sites
7th February 2012

Following the announcement of the Q3 results to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the NSG Group has announced its intention to mothball one of its three float lines in the UK. Manufacturing will cease on the UK6 Floatline at the Greengate site and the solar cutting operation at the Cowley Hill site by the end of April 2012. This will result in a reduction of 150 roles across the two sites, both based in St Helens.

The changes in the UK are in-line with a global restructuring initiative to help address a challenging short term market outlook. This includes the European building products market and the global market for Solar Energy glass. The measures will help re-establish profit growth from FY2013 onwards.

NSG Group is clear the longer-term prospects for these markets remain positive and remains committed to the manufacture of glazing products in the UK. Today’s announcement in no way affects the company’s £36M investment in an off-line coating facility at Pilkington Park, adjacent to its Cowley Hill site in St Helens, which will create 50 skilled jobs. UK 6 was due to undergo refurbishment next year, as it has been operating for 19 years, and the announcement will have no affect on supply of glass to the UK building products market.