Protective glasses against nuclear radiation will be produced in Seine-et-Marne

It had been half a century since Corning had seen an expansion on its historic site in Bagneaux-sur-Loing (Seine et Marne), who exist for 250 years. The inauguration of its new workshop was therefore an event, in a context where the company had to adapt to the “inevitable decline of our historic profession: the manufacture of mineral lenses for prescription glasses,” declares Pierre-Jean Baron, Chairman and CEO of Corning SAS. Plastic has completely replaced mineral: 3,000 tonnes produced in Bagneaux 30 years ago… for simply 100 tonnes in 2023”.

After glasses, nuclear power

But Corning is resourceful and owes its survival to “deep questioning and rapid diversification”. If you wear Ray Ban sunglasses, they come from Bagneaux. The glass products for radiology, but also for our mobile phones, also come largely from the factory in southern Seine-et-Marne. And faced with the challenge of innovation, Corning has a new string to its bow: nuclear power. The group acquired the company Sovisa subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, two years ago, specializing in protection against strong radiation.

The know-how of Corning’s French teams is a major asset for our company

The new factory, built on the site of two old buildingsis therefore used to produce two very specific products: portholes and glove boxes capable of protecting against high doses of radiation : “They are offered mainly for nuclear fuel production applications and for nuclear waste treatment plants and are sold throughout the world,” specifies the director.

Two million euros

An investment of 2 million euros, which therefore offers new opportunities in a rapidly developing market

“Many challenges loom: energy costs, decarbonization, tensions between states, but the skills, know-how and creativity of Corning’s French teams constitute a major asset for our company and its ability to pass all the challenges. crises,” rejoices the president and ggeneral manager Claude Echahamian, who for the inauguration returned with emotion to this site where he began his career 30 years ago, as a young manager. Emotion also for the mayor Claude Jameta veteran of the house, delighted to see Corning continue its beautiful Balneolitan history.

The opening of the new 750 m building²where the cutting, polishing and assembly of glass blocks are concentrated, made it possible to hire 10 additional employees.

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