AGC Glass Company North America announced it will cease production of photovoltaic cover glass in the North American market and indefinitely close its Kingsport, Tenn., manufacturing facility, effective November 7. AGNA cited the sluggish economy, slowed customer demand, and strong imports of solar glass and finished solar modules as the reasons behind the decision.
“We regret having to deliver this news to our employees and the Kingsport community," said company spokesman Chris Correnti, in a release. "We have explored numerous avenues to continue operations, but obstacles are just too great for us to overcome.”
The closure affects approximately 70 people. AGNA is attempting to locate positions for as many people as possible in its Church Hill, Tenn., and Abingdon, Va., locations, as well as other facilities across the United States, according to the release.
The AGNA corporate services office located at 1400 Lincoln St. in Kingsport will not be affected by the plant closure, nor will other manufacturing facilities in the U.S., according to AGNA officials.
According to the release, "AGNA remains committed to the North American glass markets and improving the performance of all of its business operations in North America. The company is continuing to invest significant resources in its Church Hill plant and intends to start production at the G1 glass furnace in December as planned. This furnace restart will enable AGNA to continue to grow its architectural and automotive glass businesses as those markets improve and grow in the next several years. The company also is planning to roll out new value-added products in 2013 to better serve the needs of its architectural customers.
