[Gen-AI Analysis] Guardian Industries Corporation Business Report up until FY ended Dec. 31, 2009 - MarkLines Automotive Information & Gen-AI Platform

Guardian Industries Corporation Business Report up until FY ended Dec. 31, 2009

Business Highlights

New Company

-In Mar. 2009, the Company has combined its automotive trim operations to create a new company SRG Global Inc. SRG supplies chrome plated plastic parts for auto manufacturers. The new company comprises the operations of Guardian Automotive and Siegel-Robert Automotive, which the Company acquired. Guardian Automotive's European trim business, formerly known as Lab Radio, is also part of the new company. SRG is headquartered in Warren, Michigan, USA, and operates 11 manufacturing facilities in the United States, Spain, and China. SRG expects to bring new facilities on line in Central Europe and Mexico. (From a press release on Mar. 3, 2009)

R&D

Product development

Rain & Light Sensor
-Rain & Light Sensor automatically activates and adjusts headlights and windshield wipers. Whether it's drizzling or pouring, dusk or dark, with Rain & Light Sensor a vehicle will adapt and won't have to take hands off the steering wheel.

SilverGuard IRR Windshields
-SilverGuard IRR Windshields helps to keep passengers more comfortable by blocking out heat from the sun.
-SilverGuard IRR Windshields improves fuel economy and reduces emissions by decreasing the demands on the HVAC system.

G-Coat
-Utilizing a patented process to dramatically improved paint adhesion to chrome, G-Coat delivers unlimited custom color options for any chrome-plated plastic part.

Investment Activities

Investments outside USA

<Mexico>
-In Jun. 2005, the Company's 24th float glass plant in El Marques, Mexico officially opened. The plant, located in the state of Queretaro, north of Mexico City, represents an investment of $120 million for the Company. The facility created a new employment of approximately 300 people and produces 650 tons daily of float glass for architectural and automotive applications.

<United Arab Emirates>
-In 2007, its new float plant in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, begins operation.

-In Feb. 2006, Saudi Guardian International Float Glass Co., Ltd. (GulfGuard), along with its joint venture partners, Guardian Industries Corp., National Company for Glass Industries Ltd. and Al Zamil Group, held a groundbreaking ceremony for Guardian RAK, a new float glass facility located in Ras Al Khaimah, located 75 miles (100 km) north of Dubai. The Company stated that the plant will enhance GulfGuard's ability to meet the growing demands for flat glass in the region.

<Russia>
-In 2006, the Company broke ground for new float glass facility in Ryazan, Russia.