Swiss group Glas Trösch plans to build a sustainable flat glass production site in Lommel, Belgium.

With an area of ​​35 ha, the former Philips site will become home to one an important factories for the production of flat glass for the construction and solar panel industry.

The plant will have enough capacity to supply 300,000 homes with glass each year and create up to 1,300 new jobs in the region.

Glas Trösch wants to meet the need for more locally produced glass for Belgium and neighbouring countries.

Lommel has a long glass tradition. The new factory will produce flat glass mainly for insulating windows and solar panels with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and energy efficiency.

The proximity of sand quarries, the multimodal logistics network and the availability of suitable industrial sites, a well-trained labour market and services make Lommel an ideal location for the production facility.

The Swiss glass group will create 300 high-quality, new jobs and another 1,000 indirect jobs in the region, along with a contribution to the local economy.

In addition, the factory will also be able to provide more than 300,000 homes with insulating glass every year. In doing so, it makes an important contribution to the energy transition and sustainability objectives of the EU. ​

Glas Trösch wants to produce as sustainably as possible in Lommel, with solutions - from reusing the heat from the glass furnace and converting it into electricity to the optimal use of groundwater and rainwater.

Furthermore, up to 100,000 m² of solar panels are provided. It is also envisaged that the plant will use a high percentage of recycled glass cullet.

It is also the intention to work with experts from the KUL and UHasselt to continue developing advanced solutions in the coming years.

For transport, a connection to the railways and the use of inland shipping are also being considered to further limit emissions.

The project team has applied for an environmental permit, with the permit expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Construction activities are expected to start in 2024, with production to commence in the course of 2025.