Saint-Gobain Abrasives provides the backbone for innovative solutions in almost every industry, from advanced manufacturing systems, hydropower, computer technology, construction, ship-, car- and aircraft-building, composites, and medical technology to general household applications. Abrasives play an important part in our daily lives, whether its sandpaper for sanding furniture, saw blades used to cut concrete and stone, wheels to maintain machinery, or discs to polish cars to a flawless finish. Whenever sanding, cutting, polishing, sharpening or precision grinding is required, there’s a Saint-Gobain abrasive product that’s technologically engineered to meet that need, sold worldwide under well-known brands such as Norton, Carborundum, Merit and Winter." URL="http://www.sgabrasives.com" fact="Saint-Gobain is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of abrasives. Saint-Gobain provides advanced, high-performance ceramic materials including silicon carbide, zirconia and alumina for a broad range of industrial applications. Our products resist extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, thermal shock, abrasion and corrosion. Saint-Gobain ceramics are used in markets ranging from transportation and construction to power generation and communication. We supply ceramic grains called proppants to the oil and gas industry that help wells to increase their yield. Our silicone carbide wire saw grains slice silicon ingots into thin wafers used to make photovoltaic cells which convert solar energy to electricity. Saint-Gobain high-performance refractories line furnaces and kilns to make a wide range of products, including glass for flat screen televisions. We also produce ceramic body armor that protects U.S. troops and law enforcement officials from harm." URL="http://www.refractories.saint-gobain.com" fact="Saint-Gobain is the world's leading producer of silicon carbide grains and ceramics, specialty abrasive grains, zirconia beads, high-performance refractories and bauxite-based proppants. For more than 100 years, CertainTeed has built a reputation as North America's leading brand of building materials. Our comprehensive lineup includes innovative products offering style, energy efficiency, comfort, low maintenance and ease of installation. From the roof to the foundation, CertainTeed has America's building needs covered with a quality line of roofing, vinyl and fiber cement siding, PVC trim, fence, railing, deck, foundations, insulation, gypsum wallboard, ceilings, and pipe products for both residential and commercial applications. From its beginnings in 1904 — when it was known as the General Roofing Manufacturing Company — CertainTeed has grown to becoome a leading supplier of a full range of building products throughout North America. One of the largest glass packaging manufacturers in the United States, Saint-Gobain Containers supplies glass bottles and jars to the food, beverage, beer, wine and spirits markets. From cabernet to chardonnay, pickles to pasta sauce, Saint-Gobain glass products are continually recognized for their creative designs and environmentally friendly properties. Our glass containers can be recycled again and again, and can be made with up to 100 percent recycled content, saving on raw materials and lessening the demand for energy." URL="http://www.sgcontainers.com" fact="Saint-Gobain Containers manufactured three of the winners of the Glass Packaging Institute's 2008 Clear Choice Awards, which recognize innovative glass packaging designs. Saint-Gobain Crystals is a world leader in crystal-based technology for the medical imaging, lighting, energy exploration, electronics, aerospace and security markets. Our crystal radiation detectors are used to administer therapy to cancer patients, to analyze rocks and minerals in oil drilling, and to scan baggage at airports and containers on cargo ships. Energy-efficient LEDs (light-emitting diodes) rely on Saint-Gobain Crystals to help illuminate traffic lights, computer screens and cell phones. Our quartz fibers add lightweight strength to stealth aircraft and insulate furnaces and industrial ovens." URL="http://www.crystals.saint-gobain.com" fact="Saint-Gobain supplied 4,000 sodium iodide detectors to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the detection of radioactive materials in vehicles at U.S. borders. Saint-Gobain manufactures, processes and sells flat glass products for automotive, construction, aviation and public transportation. As one of the world's leading glass manufacturers, Saint-Gobain offers innovative glass solutions combining comfort, safety and style. Our products include car windows and windshields; architectural glass for building facades; glass doors and staircases used in interior design; glass cooktops for electric ranges; laminated anti-theft glass; and fire-resistant safety glass. Saint-Gobain also produces and processes glass for cells, modules and systems for the solar energy sector." URL="http://www.saint-gobain-vitrage.com/us" fact="The TKTS discount ticket booth in Times Square, located in the heart of New York's theater district, is a futuristic work of art made entirely of Saint-Gobain glass. Meyer Decorative Surfaces is a wholesale distributor providing a wide array of products for the kitchen and bath industries. A one-stop source for builders and remodelers, Meyer supplies a variety of surface materials and accessories in a choice of finishes. From cabinets and countertops to flooring, abrasives, hardware and hand tools, Meyer offers just about everything needed to create beautiful kitchens and baths — including the kitchen sink!" title="Meyer Decorative Surfaces" URL="http://www.meyerdeco.com" fact="Meyer Decorative Surfaces is a leading regional supplier and installer of solid surface Formica countertops for Lowe's. Since 1946, Norandex has supplied builders, contractors and remodelers in the United States and Canada with high-quality exterior building products. One of the largest distributors of building materials in North America, Norandex operates through more than 150 distribution outlets nationwide. Each Norandex branch stocks and supplies a wide range of products for new construction, remodeling and light commercial applications, including a full range of exterior siding, windows, doors, storm products, shutters, vinyl fence, deck and rail, and a complete selection of accent products." URL="http://www.norandex.com" fact="One out of every 10 new homes with vinyl siding features Norandex products. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics is the world's leading producer of engineered, high-performance polymer products, serving virtually every industry across the globe. Our advanced plastics are used in a broad range of challenging applications — bearing and seals found on Formula 1 race cars; radomes that protect radar devices on commercial and military aircraft; coated fabrics used as roofing membranes and personal protective gear; tapes that seal out air, moisture, dirt and sound in windows, automobiles and appliances; and tubing for the critical transport of fluids in medical procedures — to name just a few." URL="http://www.plastics.saint-gobain.com" title="Performance Plastics" fact="Saint-Gobain recently unveiled the industry's most affordable hazardous materials suit, the “ONESuit Pro,” a lightweight garment offering emergency service providers the highest level of protection against chemical and biological agents. Through our Technical Fabrics business, Saint-Gobain manufactures fabric-based reinforcement products for a variety of construction applications. Whether interior or exterior, residential or commercial, Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics improve the efficiency and quality of construction applications ranging from roofing to decorative wall coverings. Our products include glass mesh and glass mat for reinforcing a variety of products, such as concrete, sail cloth, flooring, roofing shingles, paintable wall coverings, insect screens and drywall joint tape." URL="http://www.sgtf.com" fact="More than 90 percent of the boats in the America's Cup race use sails reinforced with materials from Saint-Gobain Technical Fabrics.