VALMIERAS STIKLA SKIEDRA : New US plant on homestretch

Since 1963, when the first glass fibre thread was made in Valmiera, Valmieras stikla šķiedra JSC has grown into a global, innovative and ambitious group of companies. We have a rich history, but more important is how we see our future. We do not stop at what we have achieved and strive to overstep the limits of our capabilities on the way to success. Proof of this is also our large-scale investment project, the new glass fibre furnace and glass fibre processing plant in the US.

Initially the seemingly impossible, 80-million euro worth development project in the US for improving our competitiveness in global markets is almost completed, thanks to strong determination and excellent teamwork. 'We are on the homestretch, only few metres left in this project marathon, and it remains to cross the finish line,' said Andre Schwiontek, company's President, on 30 November 2017, when the last stone was laid in the furnace.

The ceremonial event was attended also by project cooperation partners from the City Council of Dublin, the Laurens County and Dublin-Laurens Development. 'Today is a most happy and exciting occasion here in Dublin. To participate in placing the final stone in Valmiera's new state of the art furnace was an enormous honour. The Dublin/Lauren's community is appreciative for Valmiera's huge investment. We wish much success and good wishes to the entire Valmiera family. Congratulations to all on this important occasion,' said Roger Folsom, Chairman, Dublin-Laurens Development Authority.

The implementation of this project is in line with the plan, and it is expected that the heating of the glass melting furnace will be launched at the end of this year. The new year 2018 will be started with the fact that the first glass fibre thread drawn in the US is to be exported with the name of Valmiera in the world.

Photo: New glass fibre production furnace and glass fibre processing plant building at P-D Valmiera Glass USA Corp. from exterior (13.11.2017).