Congressman Hanna Tours Guardian Geneva Float Glass Plant

Congressman Richard Hanna (R-New York) visited Guardian Industries’ Geneva, N.Y., float glass plant today for a meeting with plant manager Joel Daoust and other employees. They discussed a number of issues including energy-efficient glass for homes as well as new developments in automotive glass.

Daoust was able to discuss first hand with the Congressman the float glass process and the advanced technology coater necessary for the solar glazing products. The plant also makes coated glass that increases the energy efficiency performance of windows for homes and commercial buildings.

The Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, for example, are expected to recognize the energy efficiency benefits of Guardian’s automotive solar reflective glass product in the soon-to-be released next generation of fuel emission standards.

Guardian produces Infrared Reflective glass, a high-performance coated glass product that can help automotive manufacturers meet these ambitious fuel emissions standards.  A laminated windshield or other glass with a special coating applied to the glass provides high levels of solar reflection without added tint or being darker, significantly reducing the amount of heat absorbed into the vehicle.  The result is a reduced load on a vehicle air conditioning unit that, in turn, improves the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by about 3 percent according to independent testing.

Guardian’s plant in Geneva is one of the few locations to manufacture this special coating.

“Guardian is an industry leader in the manufacture of solar glass solutions,” Daoust said. “We appreciate Congressman Hanna taking the time to meet with our employees and get a better understanding of the importance our products have to the plant, to Geneva and to drivers and homeowners as well.”