02 November 2006

Pilkington Group Limited, a member of NSG Group, and Al Hamed Enterprises LLC (Group of Companies), announce the formation of a joint venture company; Pilkington Emirates LLC. 

This new Company will order a float glass manufacturing line, to be built and operated by Pilkington, with a 550 tonnes per day capacity.  A site in the Abu Dhabi Industrial Development Zone has been earmarked with the help of the local authorities.  The latest technology will be used in the largely automated plant, which is due to come on stream in late 2008.

The US$200 million project will produce the latest range of Pilkington clear and tinted glasses for the Building Products and Automotive glass markets of the region.  Producing predominantly large sizes for the glass processing industry, the plant will be truly independent and will focus on offering the highest quality of product and service.

Pilkington Chief Executive Stuart Chambers said "We have long wanted to establish ourselves in the centre of this attractive and vibrant market place.  We are now delighted to have formed a partnership with Al Hamed and have no doubts that together we can offer the local markets unrivalled quality and service using the very latest technology."

Hamed Enterprises (Group of Companies) Chairman Sheikh Shaya Al Hamed said, "It is our pleasure to announce the formation of the joint venture with Pilkington, a world leader in the glass manufacturing industry.  It is our strategy at Al Hamed Enterprises to bring the world's prime expertise into the country that can help develop local expertise, as well as the excellent product offering into the market".

NSG with Pilkington either directly owns or manage 46 float lines worldwide. Pilkington engineers have recently completed new float lines in Brazil and most recently Russia, with further lines under construction in Iran and China.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Mr David Roycroft
Pilkington Corporate Affairs
Tel:  +44 (0)207 747 6004
Fax: +44 (0)207 747 6052
e-mail:  david.roycroft@pilkington.com

© Press Release 2007