Vitro increases US solar glass investment to $180 million

Published 25th October, 2023 by Jess Mills

Vitro will invest an estimated $180 million to upgrade its Meadville plant to support First Solar's growing manufacturing capacity in the United States.
Vitro recently announced the expansion of its contract with First Solar, an American manufacturer of solar panels, through its architectural glass business; the initial contract was announced in April.
The contract aims to provide the glass front sheets used in advanced thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar panels manufactured by First Solar.
The operation represents approximately $1.3 billion in sales over the next 10 years, in addition to the sales covered by the initial contract, estimated at $1.2 billion.
Vitro CEO Adrian Sada said: "We are very excited and grateful for the trust placed in us by First Solar, as it aligns with our goal of capitalising on growth opportunities in the North American Trade Region based on our technological strength and collaboration with our customers.
"This agreement will allow us to participate in and develop the renewable energy sector in America.”
Vitro will invest approximately $180 million to upgrade one of the furnaces at the Meadville plant, located in Pennsylvania, as well in adapting additional existing facilities.
Vitro's plants are strategically located to meet First Solar's needs and already have the required raw materials for production.
Production is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2026.