In the western India state of Gujarat, close to the million-strong metropolis of Vadodara, glass fibre producer Taishan Fiberglass (Tai'an, Shandong / China; www.ctgf.com) is intending to construct a glass fibre production facility by 2019. An agreement to this effect was recently signed by representatives of the company, which belongs to China National Materials Group (Sinoma), and the regional government.

Construction of the oven with a planned annual capacity of 80,000 t will cost some INR 17 bn (EUR 235m). The plant is scheduled to come on stream in 2018/19 and could provide 600 jobs.

The investment has been prompted by the huge increase in demand for reinforcing materials for the plastics and composites industry over the past few years. At the same time, however, Taishan is also aiming for exports to the Middle East, as well as to Europe. In addition, the Chinese are strategic partners of Owens Corning (OC, Toledo, Ohio / USA; www.owenscorning.com), who are similarly present in Europe.