This article appeared in the Jul/Aug 2024 issue of MiMfg Magazine. Read the full issue and find past issues online.

Improving upon how things were done in the past requires considering all viable options for sustainability, efficiency and profitability.

Saint-Gobain, a global company that designs and develops materials for buildings, transportation, infrastructure and manufacturing, has pursued advanced solutions for responsible industry growth. These solutions are intended to help customers streamline or enhance their own processes for potential savings, increased efficiencies and conservation of energy.

This innovative approach is intended to enable businesses to meet sustainability requirements such as achieving carbon neutrality and leveraging decarbonization processes. In North America, Saint-Gobain has over 145 locations, and around the world, the company has a presence in 75 countries and more than 168,000 employees worldwide. The company owns numerous brands and offers a wide range of products, services and solutions to meet its customers’ manufacturing, construction and engineering needs with sustainability as a core feature and goal.

Part of Saint-Gobain’s global footprint is its Life Sciences facility located in Beaverton. At this facility, engineers are working to create game-changing technologies in silicone products such as a new tubing that quickly and efficiently delivers vaccines into vials. These technologies supported the increase and availability of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to be used for vital commercial and scientific applications today.

Exploring new areas of discovery and problem-solving drives our mission forward, says Quality Engineer Erin Novak.

“As engineers, we are always challenged to take on new projects,” says Novak. “It’s wonderful that we have a management structure that supports new ideas and lets us try new things.”

Saint-Gobain is addressing sustainability goals across the globe by developing better solutions for building materials. They’ve developed “lightweight construction” techniques for buildings whose structures are made of timber, metal or concrete attached to non-load-bearing facade and partition systems. This method reduces the environmental footprint of these developments and optimizes the consumption of resources while ensuring high performance and productivity.

They’re also leading the way on 3D printing.

“3D printing makes it possible to converge the expectations of the various parties involved, from design to use, in terms of environmental footprint, creativity and production speed,” says Peter Paul Cornelissen, 3D Business Unit Manager.

With a powerful, global impact on the construction and life sciences industries, Saint-Gobain continues to lead the way toward a more sustainable future in manufacturing. Through its silicone production branch, research and development arm and its many partnerships, the company has designed and introduced applications and technologies that can help revolutionize processes for many businesses within these industries.

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Web: saint-gobain.com/en

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