Pilkington

 

In 2003 MidEuropa teamed up with Pilkington, one of the largest glass producers in the world, in a joint venture to build a state-of-the-art glass factory near Moscow. Pilkington Russia had the most technologically advanced plant in Russia and would clearly be the right trade partner for catering to growing demand for high quality float glass in the Western Russian market. 

The venture came about as the result of a direct approach by MidEuropa to Pilkington’s senior management. The plant has been in operation since early 2006, and at the time of MidEuropa’s exit had over 240,000 tons saleable capacity.

MidEuropa assisted with lender negotiations, advising on interactions and project financing, and later provided board-level strategic direction on sales, marketing and logistics before the plant started. 

Pilkington Russia was sold in January 2010. 

 

Partnership highlights:

• Investment made in 2004 and construction of factory complete and operational in 2006

 

Value creation:

• Operational Excellence