Ceramic and glass business news of the week for February 17, 2020

PLANTS, CENTERS, AND FACILITIES

New glass research center to support statewide medical research

Missouri S&T researchers hope to meet clinical demands for glass-related solutions through a new Center for Glass Science and Technology. The center was formed with funding from the University of Missouri System, and the grant will provide equipment and dedicated lab space to support research related to the NextGen Precision Health Initiative.

Completion of new production building at Fukui Murata Manufacturing

Fukui Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a manufacturing subsidiary of Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd., completed construction of a new production building in Japan. Focus for the facility will be development and manufacturing of ceramic-based electronic components.

ACQUISITIONS AND COLLABORATIONS

Saint-Gobain North America announces their largest renewable energy deal ever

Saint-Gobain North America has entered into a 12-year virtual Power Purchase Agreement to help offset its U.S. CO₂ emissions while supporting the construction of Blooming Grove Wind Farm in McLean County, Illinois, which is scheduled to be operational in late 2020.

Switch2save: A leap forward in smart glass tech for efficient energy management

In October 2019, the EU-funded initiative “Switch2save” was launched to improve the availability and affordability of electrochromic and thermochromic smart glass technologies. The consortium of ten partners from research and industry will demonstrate the energy saving potential of smart glass solutions in two fully-operational buildings.

OTHER STORIES

Berliner Glas Technical Glass exhibiting for the first time at the ‘all about automation’

The business unit Technical Glass of the Berliner Glas Group is represented for the first time with its portfolio for industrial applications at “all about automation” in Friedrichshafen, March 4–5. The Technical Glass division specializes in processing of technical glass.

SolarEdge intensifying activity in the Japanese market with receipt of JET certification

SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. announced its single phase inverter with HD-Wave technology received JET certification (Japan Electrical Safety and Environment Technology Laboratory). Specifically designed to comply with Japanese market requirements, the inverter is now available for low-voltage commercial and residential PV installations.

UPS orders 10,000 electric delivery vans from startup Arrival

UPS announced they are investing in UK-based EV startup Arrival and ordering 10,000 electric delivery vans from them in order to electrify their fleet. Earlier this year, the startup took a $100 million investment from Hyundai.

DOE invests $74m in building and construction technologies and innovations

The U.S. Department of Energy announced $74 million for 63 selected projects to research, develop, and test energy-efficient and flexible building technologies, systems, and construction practices. Awardees include national laboratories, universities, small businesses, and industry partners.

American Concrete Pipe Association names new president

The American Concrete Pipe Association announced that its Nominating Committee and Board of Directors named Doug Dayton as the association’s new president. Prior to his appointment as ACPA President, Dayton served as president of Professional Service Industries Inc.

U.S. Concrete chief executive retiring, turning over operations to handpicked successor

William J. Sandbrook is retiring after nine years as chief executive officer at Euless-based U.S. Concrete Inc. He will be replaced by Ronnie Pruitt, the company’s president and chief operating officer. The moves are effective April 3.

MARKET TRENDS

Global automotive aftermarket glass market size to reach US$3.91 billion by 2025

A recent Research and Markets report projects the global automotive aftermarket glass market to exhibit a CAGR of 3.8% between 2019–2025 to reach US$3.91 billion by 2025. Tempered and laminated are the majorly used glass types in the automotive aftermarket.

Entering the era of Big Battery

In a recent Quartz “Race to Zero Emissions” newsletter, an overview of the battery industry is given, including projected growth of four battery giants (Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), Panasonic, BYD, and LG Chem) and challenges to growth.