NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Carlex officials have marked the beginning of operations at the company's new float glass and automotive windshield fabricating plant in Nashville, Tenn., as well as an auto glass distribution center in Lebanon, Tenn. A dedication ceremony held recently at the Nashville site allowed attendees to hear the company’s plans for investing $100 million in the project.

Carlex is a manufacturer of automotive glass products including windshields, door glass, back windows and sunroofs for original-equipment manufacturers and for the automotive replacement glass market in North America.

Customers, employees, community leaders, government officials and Japanese Consulate dignitaries joined the Carlex executives in celebrating the acquisition that significantly expanded Carlex automotive glass operations. Carlex purchased the Nashville plant and Lebanon distribution operations from Zeledyne on March 31.

Shuichi Sarasawa, president and CEO of Tokyo-based Central Glass Co. Ltd., parent company of Carlex, told attendees at the event that acquisition of the plant “means not only capacity increase but also future growth.”

“We have now established full automotive glass supply capability,” Sarasawa said, from raw glass production to original-equipment manufacturer and the auto replacement glass business.

“By this acquisition, we will be able to diversify our customer base and enforce our core technology,” he said, noting that customers require quality, cost, delivery and development, and “satisfying our customers’ requirements is the only way for us to survive.”

Attendees were able to see how Carlex goes from “sand to satisfaction” during a tour of the plant that is the only one in North America where, under one roof, starting with sand and other materials, flat glass is manufactured, then fabricated into automotive windshields. They also saw construction on the plant, which one Carlex executive said is in “full swing.”

“This plant is getting a $100 million cash infusion to make plant improvements, bring in new equipment and offer our employees training,” said Don Michelotti, Carlex executive vice president. “We are improving the facility and turning it into a place where we can serve more customers and deliver the high-quality products they demand. We also know it means a strong, secure future for our work force.”

Carlex Executive Vice President Jim Shepherd echoed the sentiments. “Two months ago, we closed this acquisition with big plans for this facility, an eager work force and a clear vision for our future,” Shepherd said. “This truly is a day to celebrate. We know there is great potential here to produce in-demand, high-quality products – or, as we like to say, to go from sand to satisfaction.”