Guardian Approves Repair and Expansion Project at Iowa Float Plant

Guardian Industries’ Board of Directors has approved a major capital project to repair the float glass furnace and expand glass production at its DeWitt, Iowa, plant, pending approval of state and local incentives.

The proposed project, expected to begin first quarter of 2017, would increase the plant’s production capacity, add new environmental control technologies and enhance products and services to support its customers, according to a company release. 

“This investment reinforces our commitment to create value for our customers and the communities we serve,” said Rick Zoulek, vice president, Glass, Americas, in the release. “The project will expand Guardian’s ability to service customers with high quality glass while utilizing best available control technologies to ensure environmental excellence.”

The DeWitt plant started operations in 1996, and in 2007 added an advanced magnetron sputter coater, allowing production of high performance Guardian ClimaGuard and SunGuard low-E glass products. The plant services window customers and commercial fabricators throughout the United States, targeting those operating in the upper Midwest. The plant also produces high-speed tempered glass and mirrors.