Viridian (formerly Pilkington and DMS Glass) , the glass business of CSR Limited and the Australian manufacturer and supplier of building and construction markets in Australia and New Zealand, was inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame at a gala dinner held in Melbourne on June 2, 2010.

Steve Choat, Viridian General Manager of Primary Products said, “We, the management and staff at Viridian, are honoured to receive this manufacturing excellence award as recognition of our contribution to the construction industry in Australia and NZ.”

“Across the network of 24 Australian and nine New Zealand value-adding and glass processing distribution sites, we have been rewarded for providing a consistent quality product, enabled by a massive investment of $150 million in state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities at Dandenong and Clayton, and an equally valuable investment in our staff,” he said.

Operating for more than 130 years in Australia, the company is the amalgamation of DMS Glass and Pilkington Australasia and acquired by CSR Limited in 2007.

“We have worked tirelessly on improving the sustainability of Australia’s built environment through the introduction of locally-produced coated and double-glazed performance glass products that significantly reduce the energy consumption of residential and commercial buildings,” said Choat.

Viridian’s glass manufacturing has been certified to Environmental Management System IS014001 for over 10 years and was the first Victorian manufacturer to sign a Sustainability Covenant with EPA Victoria, Sustainability Victoria and the Australian Industry Group. The agreement is voluntary and commits the signatories to “work together to protect the environment and to contribute to a more sustainable Victoria”.

On accepting the award Choat recognised the commitment and efforts of the Viridian 1500 strong workforce, stating that their skill and dedication to strive for the very best has contributed largely to the success of the company and now being a recipient of such a prestigious industry award.

Awards such as this are the result of many years of hard work and a fine collaboration of factory staff and management on all Viridian sites. This award is also in recognition of the achievements of all the people within Viridian.

Choat also passed on special thanks to Victorian Minister for Industry and Trade Hon. Jacinta Allan and her office, “The Victorian State Government has clearly demonstrated their commitment and support to local manufacturing and industry, on behalf of all the 1500 Australians employed at Viridian, thank you.”