The tsunami tragedy continues to unfold in Japan, but the country is pressing on with a 450 million zloty (112.5 million euro) investment in Poland by the glass industry giant Pilkington.

The company, which specialises in car windscreens, has been owned by Japan’s NSG Group since 2006.

A new car window plant will now be launched in Chmielow, southeastern Poland, complementing 11 other production sites in the country. Pilkington currently employs a staff of 1,800, and the new plant is expected to employ a further 400 people.

“The site will be operational in 2012,” said Anna Osowska, a spokesperson for Pilkington Automotive Poland, who was cleared to make the announcement, just prior to Friday’s devastating quake.

The new plant projects an annual production of some 1.7 million windscreens, and from 4 to 5 million side and rear windows. (nh/jb)

Source: AFP