Viracon to upgrade Statesboro, Ga., facility in anticipation of market recovery

Viracon will invest $4 million to $7 million to refurbish manufacturing equipment and upgrade building infrastructure at its Statesboro, Ga., facility in anticipation of a commercial construction market recovery, according to a Feb. 16 release.

“As our architectural glass markets continue to demand more value-added and energy efficient products, we intend to ensure that our Statesboro facility, which opened 13 years ago, remains on the cutting edge of glass fabrication capability for the next construction up-cycle,” said Kelly Schuller, president, in the release.

“Viracon’s Statesboro facility is strategically important, serving international and southern U.S. markets. Production in the facility will be greatly scaled back during the anticipated six-month rebuild period,” Schuller said. “During this period of low seasonal and market demand, Viracon will continue to serve all markets from its Utah and Minnesota facilities with no disruption to current project needs or future commitments.

“The majority of our employees in Statesboro will be furloughed during this rebuild project,” he said. “We intend to recall all employees within six months when the facility upgrade is complete and higher rates of production resume.”

Viracon initially invested $27 million in 1999 when it commenced operations at the Statesboro facility. Viracon added 65,000 square feet to the facility in 2005. Today, the facility is the second largest architectural glass fabrication facility in North America, second only in size to the company’s Owatonna, Minn., facility, according to the release.