Glass on the Rise

The market value of fabricated glass is expected to grow 5.4 percent annually through 2008 to more than $53 billion, according to a study released by Cleveland-based research firm the Freedonia Group.

The growth encompasses basic flat glass as well as value-added products, such as laminated, tempered, insulating and mirrored glass.

The construction segment will register the strongest gains because of acceleration in global construction expenditures, according to the study.

Based on year-end 2003 figures, the global industry will require 23 new float lines averaging 500 metric tons per day to meet future demand for flat glass through the end of 2008, says Freedonia.

Developing countries in Asia will register the strongest gains in flat glass demand for the next five years, with growth especially strong in China and India, according to the study. The U.S. market for fabricated glass is forecast to outpace the global average through 2008, although Freedonia predicts the actual gains in square meters and metric tons will lag behind the global average slightly.

Western Europe will continue to post the weakest sales growth among the regions.

The full study is available from the Freedonia Group.