Sept. 9, 2008 - After torrential rains caused flooding that forced the temporary
closure on Aug. 19 of PPG Industries’ glass manufacturing
operation here, some operations have resumed.
Float glass line No. 1 is fully operating, as is the magnetron
sputtering vacuum deposition (MSVD) coater used to make
energy-efficient, high-performance glass. The tempering line is
expected to be restored to service this week. Efforts to restore
production on float glass line No. 2 are projected to take several
weeks, with an expected return to service by mid to late October.
Charles Hanley, director of production, PPG Performance Glazings,
praised plant employees, who immediately began restoration efforts.
“Since the flooding, our people have worked around the clock to restore
operations. The threat uncontrolled water poses to a glass plant is
significant, and we’re pleased that workers’ efforts to restore
operations have proceeded without injury.”
Texas Governor Rick Perry has approved disaster assistance for Wichita
County following the flooding. The plant’s basement was flooded,
affecting vital equipment and electrical controls that manage vessels
operating at temperatures between 1,000 and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Property damage caused by the storms made it commercially impractical
for PPG to meet its customers’ demands and led the company to declare
force majeure on all architectural, residential and specialty glass
products. PPG continues to work diligently with customers to meet their
glass needs.
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