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Guardian Industries Announces Purchase of Partner's Equity in Siam Guardian

14 December 1999

Guardian Industries Announces Purchase of Partner's Equity in Siam Guardian

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Dec. 13 -- Guardian Industries Corp.,
one of the largest manufacturers of float glass and fabricated glass products
in the world, announced today the purchase of its partner's equity in Siam
Guardian Glass Co., Ltd. (Siam Guardian), increasing its existing commitment
to Asian customers and the growth of the region.  Siam Guardian was formed in
1990 as a joint venture between Guardian Industries and The Siam Cement Public
Company Limited (Siam Cement), one of Thailand's leading industrial concerns.
Guardian's purchase follows a decision by Siam Cement to narrow its focus to
three core businesses.
    With float glass plants located in Saraburi Province, near Bangkok, and
Rayong Province, on the eastern seaboard, Guardian manufactures clear and
colored float glass for the commercial and residential construction markets
and automotive markets.  It also operates a mirror manufacturing line.  All
operations serve the entire Asia Pacific market area.  Siam Guardian's plants
combine with Guardian's float glass manufacturing in India and Saudi Arabia to
provide all customers in the region access to a full range of Guardian glass
products.
    In making the announcement, Russell J. Ebeid, president of Guardian's
Glass Group, noted that Guardian remains optimistic that recent regional
growth trends will continue and gain momentum in the coming years.  "Guardian
has worked to develop Thailand as a key export base for the Pacific Rim
markets.  Our further investment in Siam Guardian reflects our long-term
commitment to grow our business throughout Asia and our belief that Asian
markets will support such growth.  We are confident of Siam Guardian's ability
to meet the needs of our customers throughout the region," said Ebeid.
    Guardian Industries Corp. is a leading worldwide manufacturer of float
glass and fabricated glass products for the commercial and residential
construction industries.  The company also is a leading supplier of vehicle
glass and exterior plastic and metal trim systems to the global automotive
industry, and a North American manufacturer of a broad line of fiberglass
insulation products.  Guardian operates manufacturing, fabrication and
distribution facilities throughout North America, South America, Europe,
Africa, Asia and the Middle East.