Guardian Glass’ Carleton USA site celebrates 50 years of operation

Published 10th August, 2020 by George Lewis

Guardian Industries President Bill Davidson and Engineer Dick Alonzo (l-r) prepare to start up the furnace at Carleton in 1970.

Guardian Glass is celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of its Carleton, Michigan USA glass plant, the company’s first entry into float glass production.

Under the leadership of William “Bill” Davidson, Carleton pulled the first ribbon of glass on August 20, 1970.

Up until that point, the company had been a manufacturer of automotive laminated windshields using glass sourced from others.

With the launch of the Carleton float line, Guardian became the first new company to enter the glass manufacturing business in 50 years.

The state-of-the-art facility was 275,000 square feet and pulled 350 tonnes of glass per day.

Three years later, Guardian launched a second float line at the site and started its trajectory of global growth that continues to this day.

Ron Vaupel, Guardian Industries President and CEO said: “It is wonderful to celebrate this first float plant as we prepare to launch a new float glass plant in Poland just over a month from now.”

George Lewis

Glass International Assistant Editor

George is the Assistant Editor of Glass International magazine. He has been involved with trade journalism since 2018, working on an array of titles. Prior to joining Quartz Business Media, George worked in the public sector in local government.