March 16, 2010 | Simsboro, LA USA

Saint-Gobain Containers Hosts Louisiana Governor, Incentives Announcement at Simsboro Plant

Saint-Gobain Containers Inc. today hosted a visit by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as part of an economic incentives announcement to benefit the plant.

Gov. Jindal joined Saint-Gobain Containers President and CEO Joseph R. Grewe to announce that the State of Louisiana will provide $12 million toward the company's re-investment in its Simsboro facility. Since 2008, Saint-Gobain Containers has invested $54 million in infrastructure improvements at the plant.

"Saint-Gobain Containers is a great example of our commitment to retain existing jobs and support existing businesses, which helps strengthen the state's economy," said Gov. Jindal. "Since taking office, numerous companies have committed to staying in Louisiana in part due to the support received at the state and local levels."

Built in 1968, the plant currently employs 350 people and specifically manufactures glass containers for the food and beverage industry. In addition to Gov. Jindal, many other state and local community leaders, along with employees of the plant, attended the event.

"On behalf of Saint-Gobain Containers and the employees at our facility in Simsboro, I want to extend my thanks to the State of Louisiana for these job retention incentives," said Joseph R. Grewe, president and CEO of Saint-Gobain Containers. "In particular, I'd like to thank Gov. Jindal, Sec. Stephen Moret, and the leadership provided by the area's legislative delegation. In addition, we are equally appreciative of the local incentives granted by the Lincoln Parish School Board and Lincoln Parish Police Jury with support from the Lincoln-Ruston Chamber of Commerce.

To strengthen the long-term viability of Saint-Gobain Containers' Simsboro facility, Louisiana Economic Development is providing $1.2 million per year for 10 years in performance-based assistance through a Legislative line item, provided the company maintains existing payroll. On the local level, Lincoln Parish School Board and the Lincoln Parish Police Jury granted abatements to exempt local sales and use taxes on certain equipment and machinery. The funding and tax abatement will assist the company in maintaining its current operations.

"These incentives, which will help offset the high capital costs of rebuilding our two furnaces, are a perfect example of how business and government can work together for the benefit of a community and commerce," said Grewe. "Our plant is now better positioned to be competitive and, as a result, the plant's existing workforce will have greatly improved job security."

Following the announcement, guests had the opportunity to take a tour of the facility to see the recently rebuilt furnaces and to see how glass containers are manufactured.

Saint-Gobain Containers is the second largest glass container manufacturer in the U.S and serves the wine, beer, beverage, spirits and food container markets with 13 strategically located plants, supported by a state-of-the-art machine shop and distribution center. Headquartered in Muncie, Ind., the company has more than 4,500 employees. Saint-Gobain Containers is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, an international industrial group based in Paris, France, and the largest glass manufacturer in the world.

For the second consecutive year, Saint-Gobain Containers, along with its parent company, has been named an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for energy management. Saint-Gobain Containers is also a member of the U.S. EPA's Climate Leaders program for voluntary greenhouse gas reductions, and the U.S. Department of Energy's Save Energy Now LEADER Program.

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About Saint-Gobain Containers Inc.

Saint-Gobain Containers Inc. (www.sgcontainers.com) is the second largest glass container manufacturer in the United States and serves the wine, beer, beverage, spirits and food container markets with 13 strategically located plants, supported by a state-of-the-art machine shop and distribution center. Saint-Gobain Containers is a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, an international industrial group based in Paris, France, and the largest glass manufacturer in the world.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Craig Koven
Manager, Communications, Saint-Gobain Containers
765-741-7092
craig.m.koven@saint-gobain.com 
http://www.sgcontainers.com/index.nsf