GLASS giant Pilkington will appeal against a £309m fine levied by the European Commission for its involvement in a European cartel.
The St Helens-based firm was fined along with its rivals Saint-Gobain, Asahi Glass and Soliver for their role in fixing glass prices in the automotive industry between 1998 and 2003.
The Commission handed down fines to the companies totalling more than £1bn four weeks ago.
It said the four firms held regular discussions about the auto glass market, in which they together held a 90% market share for new cars and branded replacement glass.
Pilkington, which is owned by Japanese firm Nippon Sheet Glass and employs about 2,000, had set aside £250m for the fine.
