Safelite windshield plant increases product diversity

Safelite Glass Corp., Columbus, Ohio, the manufacturing division of Safelite AutoGlass, has expanded windshield production by 20,000 units annually at its Enfield, N.C., manufacturing facility, according to a Sept. 5 companyrelease.The plant has added acutting-edge grinding equipment to add exposed edge windshields to its product offering.

The factory, which employs 400 and now has an annual capacity of 1.4 million windshields, will continue to make upgrades throughout 2008, with a focus on environmental initiatives. The facility received a $30,000 grant from the State of North Carolina through the Incumbent Workforce Project for Lean Manufacturing training thatincludes two core classes for 55 employees provided by North Carolina State.

“Capacity and product line enhancements allow us to serve our retail and wholesale customers much faster and efficiently,” said Rich Glover, assistant vice presidentof manufacturing and distribution, Safelite, in the release. “New equipment and ongoing training are key in continuing to increase our capacity to serve customers throughout our expanding nationwide operations.”