"In 1992 GUARDIAN EUROPE carefully studied potential sites for its fifth European plant to make glass using the float process. We wanted a site in southern Europe and were considering locations in four countries and different regions in each country. We then realised that the economic development efforts being made in the region of Navarre and its development agency SODENA, were among the most professional and best organised of those we had come into contact with.

Being the fastest-growing international producer of flat glass, GUARDIAN INDUSTRIES works continuously with government and economic development organisms all over the world. The organisation and the efficiency of the economic development team in Navarre are not very common in our experience. Their receptiveness regarding long-term economic development, the work ethic of the local population, the commitment to high-quality industry, the development of infrastructures that are comparable to the best in the world and the good relations with the central Government were the key factors that helped GUARDIAN to decide on locating in Navarre. By working closely with the persons responsible for economic development in Navarre in order to satisfy our requirements and comply with current legislation, the process of permits was speeded up and our project entered service very quickly.

SODENA's role as coordinator in obtaining local and regional permits is a key tool of the region. The construction of our project went quickly, and all the commitments made to improve infrastructures were fulfilled on time and with precision. Although our glass plant began operating in the middle of a recession in the Spanish economy it has been an effective operation that was successful from the first months of production.

Ralph J. Gerson
Executive Vice-president
1997