Vitro to produce glass for solar panel manufacturer

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Cheswick-based Vitro Architectural Glass recently entered into an agreement with First Solar, a solar modules manufacturer, to make glass for advanced thin film photovoltaic solar panels.

“This agreement is a true manifestation of Vitro’s purpose of enabling the full potential of glass to shape how we move, build, and live today and in the future,” Adrian Sada, Vitro CEO, said. “It also reflects our continued commitment to the North American Trade Region and is proof that we have a sound strategy for growth as a global player. We are thrilled by how, through this partnership, we will serve the U.S. market with new and better sustainable products while advancing our strategy to drive growth in the renewable energy sector.”

Vitro will invest $93.6 million to rebuild and modernize a production line at its Meadville Plant in Cochranton and construct offline production capabilities. The investment will allow Vitro to provide First Solar with float glass, a significant component of the company’s solar panels.

The plant has the raw materials required to support production, which is expected to begin during the second quarter of 2025.

The project is expected to create approximately 130 full-time jobs.

Vitro Architectural Glass is part of Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V., a manufacturer of energy-efficient glass products.