Owens-Illinois (O-I) will close its container glass production facility in Schiedam in August, affecting 230 jobs.
The company claims that the plant is no longer profitable, due to overcapacity in the glass market, relatively high production costs and outdated furnaces. The closure is part of the O-I’s strategy to increase its competitiveness in Europe and to better serve the long-term needs of its customers.
According to reports, the company will invest €155m in its European facilities in 2017. This includes the continued modernisation of plants in France, Italy, Germany, UK, the Czech Republic and Poland, across all of the company’s business segments.
Some of the affected staff will be offered positions at other O-I sites at Maastricht and Leederdam, according to HR director Rob Daamen. The company says the planned closure is subject to consultation with employees representatives.