Pilkington Gets New Contracts

Pilkington Automotive's Clinton, Mich., operation will be even busier as the company has announced it has won contracts for new products on several different vehicles, amounting to 4.4 million parts.

This will roughly double the plant's current output according to general manager Mike Cannon. "The automotive business is very, very tough as we all know in North America," Cannon told employees at a lunch marking Employee Appreciation Week.

"To be awarded these programs that will secure the future of this site is extremely rewarding to me as an individual and to yourselves and your families."

Cannon also serves as general manager at the Niles, Mich., plant. He said a shared services program, in which the same management and technical employees work at both Clinton and Niles is one step the company uses to reduce costs and keep quality consistent.

The highlight of the new programs is a million-part contract building pieces for Chevrolet and GMC trucks. Other projects include windshields and backlites for the Chevrolet Impala, windshields for the Saturn, as well as front door and rear door windows for the model.