Buenos Aires, July 19, 2021 — The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, announced an investment of $40 million in NSG UK Enterprises Limited (NSG UK), a long-standing IFC client and a member of the NSG Group—one of the world's largest manufacturers of glass and glazing products for architectural, automotive, and technical applications. The corporate loan will finance the completion and start of operations of the group's greenfield glass production plant in Argentina, with an estimated production of 900 tons per day, and help address the macro challenges facing the South American country.
Located in an industrial site in Cardales, approximately 70 kilometers north-west of Buenos Aires, the plant will utilize the latest NSG worldwide technology supporting the achievement of industry and sustainability targets. This includes aspects such as application of Industry 4.0 standards and technologies that support the decarbonization ambition of NSG Group.
In addition, IFC's loan to NSG UK, through the company's subsidiary in Argentina, Vidriería Argentina S.A. (VASA), will positively impact the local economy by supporting FDI, substituting imports and generating exports, adding value to domestic raw materials, and enhancing value chains. Furthermore, IFC will provide an advisory service to VASA to help identify energy efficiency opportunities.
"We are pleased to finance the completion of this project and to strengthen our relationship with NSG UK, a repeat global IFC client with a firm commitment to corporate governance practice and green standards," said David Tinel, IFC's Regional Manager for the Southern Cone. "In the context of the pandemic, IFC has stepped up to continue supporting the private sector in emerging economies".
"Since first partnering in 1992, we have built a strong long-term relationship with IFC and are excited about this new opportunity to work together so that we can contribute to the region's economy and the greener environment", said Leopoldo Carlos M. Garces Castiella, Head of Architectural Glass South America. "The NSG Group is aiming to be a global glass supplier contributing to the world with high value-added glass products and services".
The NSG Group is the world's leading supplier of glass and glazing systems in the architectural, automotive, and creative technology sectors. Architectural supplies glass for buildings and solar energy applications; automotive serves the original equipment, aftermarket replacement and specialized transport glazing markets; and creative technology, established in October 2020, supports NSG Group's focus on future growth.
About IFC
IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2020, we invested $22 billion in private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
About the NSG Group (Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. and its group companies)
The NSG Group is the world's leading supplier of glass and glazing systems in the business areas of Architectural, Automotive and Creative Technology. In 2006 it acquired the leading global glass supplier, Pilkington, and today, the Group has principal operations around the world and sales in over 100 countries. NSG UK Enterprises Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. For more information, visit www.nsg.com/en.
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