Saint-Gobain has officially begun construction of two major production lines at its Oragadam site near Chennai: a new float glass manufacturing line, the company’s seventh in India, and a mineral wool insulation line, its fifth in the country. These projects mark a significant step in the company’s ongoing investment in India’s growing construction sector.
The upcoming float glass facility, with a daily capacity of 1,000 tonnes, is expected to address rising demand for high-performance glass solutions across commercial and residential building segments. The line has been engineered with a focus on energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and digital integration, aligning with Saint-Gobain’s global sustainability goals.
In parallel, the new mineral wool insulation plant will be the company’s largest investment in insulation across the Asia-Pacific region. With an annual production capacity of 50,000 tonnes, this advanced facility will be a near net-zero carbon operation, designed to support India’s increasing focus on energy-efficient and climate-resilient construction.
The move follows Saint-Gobain’s recent acquisitions of Rockwool India (Rockinsul) and UP Twiga (Twigainsul), strengthening its position as a leader in insulation solutions within the Indian market.
Sreedhar N, Senior Vice President and CEO – Asia Pacific and India, commented “Our investments in Chennai are part of a broader strategy to expand local manufacturing and bring world-class, sustainable building solutions to India. With our expanding capabilities, including dedicated R&D, we are well-positioned to address the evolving needs of the Indian construction industry. These new lines will enhance our ability to deliver high-performance materials through advanced engineering and smart manufacturing technologies.”
The Oragadam facility is rapidly evolving into Saint-Gobain’s largest multi-product industrial campus in India, encompassing production units for float glass, mineral wool insulation, gypsum plasterboards, finishing plasters, and acoustic ceiling systems. This integrated hub will play a pivotal role in supporting India’s infrastructure growth while setting new benchmarks in sustainable and digital manufacturing.
A global leader in sustainable and light construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and services aimed at enhancing the performance and sustainability of construction and industrial markets. With a focus on decarbonizing both construction and industry, the company continues to drive innovation, providing high-performance solutions that promote sustainability. As the Group approaches its 360th anniversary in 2025, its commitment to its mission, “Making the World a Better Home,” remains strong.
Saint-Gobain posted €46.6 billion in sales for 2024 and employs more than 161,000 people across 80 countries. The company is on track to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through NOVA by Saint-Gobain, the company scouts and supports start-ups that are driving sustainability innovations aligned with the Group’s strategic goals, fostering global partnerships to address current and future challenges.
