O-I Glass achieved a major milestone in the initial construction of its glass packaging production facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, USA. To recognize this key milestone, the company hosted a “Topping-Off” event to commemorate the placement of the final beam. The event was attended by global O-I executives Andres Lopez, CEO, Ludovic Valette, Vice-President, Chief Technology Officer, plant employees, and construction workers.
“This is an exciting milestone for our state-of-the-art facility. It’s the first ever purpose-built plant featuring our all-new proprietary MAGMA technology. MAGMA technology is revolutionary, bringing flexibility and modularity to glass production,” said Scott Lachmiller, Business Leader, Bowling Green. “Bowling Green represents the perfect location for us to serve many premium distillers and other key customers that are eager to leverage the vast benefits of glass packaging such as its health benefits, sustainability, and the premium appeal it lends to their brands.
“I would like to thank our new team-mates, the project team who has worked hard to reach this point and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the City of Bowling Green, and the Chamber of Commerce for their partnership and their trust.”
O-I plans to invest up to USD 240 million in multiple expansion waves at this plant and create up to 140 new jobs in the region. The company expects to set new standards in many aspects of glass manufacturing, such as the plant structure, working models, engagement, sustainability, and culture and implement advanced technologies, innovative processes, and new engineering solutions.