Glassmaker Saint-Gobain has reinforced its position in the insulation market in Japan with the acquisition of a 43.7% stake in the glass wool manufacturer, MAG.

The transaction, which saw Saint-Gobain acquire the stake formerly owned by Japanese group Taiheiyo Cement Corporation, means that the glassmaker now owns a total of 87.3% of MAG’s shareholder’s equity.

MAG had been managed jointly by Saint-Gobain and Taiheiyo Cement Corporation since June 2008.

Driven by a growing concern for environmental protection and energy efficiency, Japan is one of the world’s major habitat markets. With this acquisition, Saint-Gobain intends to play a larger role in the Japanese construction products industry and contribute to a better environment.