Guardian to Expand Auto Glass Manufacturing Facility

Guardian announced an $8 million expansion of its auto glass manufacturing facility in Ligonier, Ind. The 20 year-old plant will receive additional manufacturing floor space with the expansion, as well as approximately 58 new jobs.

“The reason we are expanding is two-fold. We are seeing growth in our existing business and we are driven by new business and platforms that we are working on launching right now,” says Earnest Thompson, director of corporate marketing and brand management for Guardian. “However, our primary reason for expansion is our growth in new business and platforms.”

The expansion will include equipment to increase cut, grind and bend capabilities. Also included will be equipment for painting of glass and infrared reflection glass (IRR) equipment.

“IRR is going to be big this year,” says James Recob, Ligonier plant manager for Guardian. “This expansion will give us some enhanced capabilities and is big news for Ligonier.”

The building will be expanding to move support functions to a new location within the facility and create more manufacturing space. Additional job opportunities will also be created with the employment focused around operators and some in engineering and support. The expansion is expected to begin and wrap up this year.