Saint-Gobain’s Packaging Sector has recently acquired majority stakes in Ukraine-based Consumers Sklo Zorya and Russian companies Sitall and Kavminsteklo.

The acquisition of these glass packaging companies whose combined sales total 69 million € in 2004 is in line with the strategy being pursued by Saint-Gobain’s Packaging Sector in emerging countries. With this move, Saint-Gobain extends its network of complementary glassworks in strong growth markets.

Building on a tradition of glass manufacturing, a dynamic workforce, and the wealth of expertise brought by Saint-Gobain, these three glassworks will be able to offer their customers glass packaging that meets the most stringent technical requirements.

Saint-Gobain’s Packaging Sector will oversee the ongoing development of these sites and will offer its Eastern European customers a local source of high-quality products bolstered by international best practices.

These investments are implemented in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with which Saint-Gobain Packaging has established a partnership, giving the bank an option on a minority stake in each company.

With over 20,000 employees across the globe and 78 manufacturing facilities in Europe, the Americas and China, Saint-Gobain’s Packaging Sector is a world or European leader in its three business areas:

• the manufacture of glass bottles and jars for the food industry
  
• the production of specialty glass bottles for the perfume, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries
  
• the manufacture of plastic pumps and other dispensing systems for household cleaners, personal and beauty care products, and pharmaceuticals