Innovation in glass manufacturing Inside our plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg
Innovation in glass manufacturing. Inside our plant in Bascharage, Luxembourg
--SELECT COUNTRY--Bascharage, Luxembourg, was chosen as the site for Guardian's first float glass factory outside the US. In 1981, the strategic location opened doors to key regions, and the compact size of Luxembourg allowed for a focused approach on Europe.
Today, Guardian continues to lead in innovation. Following a successful cold tank repair, a new furnace is operational since Q4 2023. The innovative furnace is the most energy efficient Guardian Glass furnace. It has a heat recovery system that enables the preheating of pure oxygen and natural gas, which drastically reduces heat losses and gas consumption without compromising on quality. The furnace can produce both Guardian ExtraClear™ (standard, mid-iron) float glass and Guardian UltraClear™ low-iron float glass.
Celebrating over 40 years of innovation
Key facts about the Bascharage plant
- 1981: the plant starts operating.
- 2023: the new state of the art furnace starts producing.
- 25% more energy efficient: over time, the furnace is expected to be 25% more energy efficient …
- … and expected to reduce by 20% CO2 emissions compared to a traditional air-fuel furnace.
- Over 11,000 solar panels cover its roof.
- 1 float line producing both Guardian ExtraClear™ standard (mid-iron) glass and Guardian UltraClear™ low-iron glass.
- 1 laminated glass line, producing standard and acoustic LamiGlass as well as special solutions such as Guardian Bird1st Lami bird-friendly glass.
- 1 coater producing single, double and triple silver coatings from the Guardian ClimaGuard™ and Guardian SunGuard™ ranges.
- 1 team of dedicated employees.
Power generation:
The site features over 11,000 photovoltaic panels on its roof. This installation, which began producing energy in August 2024, spans over 25,000 sqm. During periods of optimal solar production, it is anticipated to satisfy around 75% of the plant’s instant electricity demand on a typical fully operational weekday.
Based on the average number of sunny days in Luxembourg, the installation is expected to cover approximately 11% of the plant's total annual electricity consumption.
Under optimal conditions, the production capacity is 5MWp, which is enough to power approximately 1,000 homes per year*.
“Our commitment to Stewardship is demonstrated through our sustained efforts to enhance energy efficiency, responsibly manage resources, and reduce air emissions. We are committed to continuously seeking innovative solutions to improve our manufacturing processes. This dedication is exemplified by the new technology implemented in Bascharage, which opens new opportunities for Guardian Glass.”
Guus Boekhoudt, Executive Vice President, Europe, Africa & Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America
The people behind the scenes
Our most important asset is our employees! Without a dedicated team, even the best equipment or technology cannot function properly. Meet Bernard Gheysen, plant manager, and his team, and see how they help make the Bascharage plant what it is today.
Fanny Lussiez
Coater Manager
"There is a strong teamwork and a synergy which helps to create a product of good quality."
Matthieu Laude
Product Manager Europe and Africa & Middle East
"I am really proud of the team's commitment to bringing all these solutions to life."
Moussa Diallo
Laminating Line Manager
"Sharing knowledge with people from various departments and different backgrounds, and challenging ideas as a team, enriches my daily work and helps us improve efficiency and develop innovative projects."
Raymond Cala
Mechanical Design Engineer
"I thrive on creativity and believe that staying connected with the team on the field is crucial to designing solutions that truly meet their needs and bringing them to life."
Morgan Lahon-Penasse
Transformation Engineer
"What I enjoy in my role is understanding the challenges our teams might be facing, identifying opportunities to increase our efficiency together, and making them happen."
*This estimation is based on an electricity consumption of around 4,800 kWh/year for an average household of 3 people (approximately 1,600 kWh per capita). Source: Electricity and heat statistics - Statistics Explained (europa.eu).