SAINT-GOBAIN'S FLAT GLASS SECTOR EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE
IN MEXICO


In view of the strong growth trends in Latin American markets, Saint-Gobain's Flat Glass Sector (Saint-Gobain Vitrage) has decided to expand its presence in the region with the construction of a new float glass production line in Mexico.

This facility is to be built at the Cuautla Morelos site in southern Mexico, where Saint-Gobain Vitrage already operates a float line and a plant specializing in flat glass processing for the automotive industry.

Output from the new facility will be sold on the Mexican market and also exported to the US, Central America and the Caribbean.

The cost of the investment will be approximately USD 100 million.

Production is due to start at the end of 2006.

This operation constitutes a further step in the Group's growth strategy in emerging countries.

Saint-Gobain’s Flat Glass Sector in Mexico

Ranked no. 1 in Europe and no. 2 worldwide in flat glass manufacturing, Saint-Gobain's Flat Glass Sector is present in 39 countries and has been operating in Mexico since 1996.
In Cuautla, Morelos, Saint-Gobain's Flat Glass Sector has a flat glass plant, as well as facilities for producing layered and laminated glass and mirrors (Saint-Gobain Glass). It also has an automotive glass processing facility (Saint-Gobain Sekurit).
In Querétaro, Saint-Gobain's Flat Glass Sector also operates a plant specializing in the manufacture of glass for home appliances (Euroveder).
It is also present in the distribution of replacement glass for the automotive industry through its Autover network.


June 6, 2005