O-I Completes a €55 Million Investment in San Polo to Support Italian Beverage Industry

To better support the Italian beer and non-alcoholic beverage markets, O-I invested €40 million in a new furnace, four high-efficient production lines and state-of-the art inspection equipment this year.The expansion resulted in the creation of 30 new jobs. The investment complements the €15 million investment that O-I made in 2011 to upgrade one furnace and production lines.



"We will continue to invest in our facilities in Italy to further strengthen our capabilities and leading market position in this important market for O-I,” said Erik Bouts, president of O-I Europe, during a celebration event with employees, customers and elected officials. “Our investments in San Polo significantly enhance the plant’s capabilities to better serve our customers’ growing needs for innovative, cost-effective and sustainable glass packaging solutions.”



The improved production facilities in San Polo incorporate the latest sustainability technologies resulting in a 50 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. The plant can use up to 90 percent recycled glass in the production process and offers increased capabilities to produce lightweight containers.



“San Polo is located in the heart of Prosecco, one of the most important wine regions in Italy,” said Angelo Breviari, O-I Italy and Hungary country group executive. “Our investment demonstrates our commitment to this region and to our many customers active in the Italian food and beverage markets.”



The investment in San Polo is part of the company’s asset optimization program. Over the next several years, O-I is investing significantly in Europe to strengthen its capabilities and market position. By the end of 2014, O-I will have invested more than €280 million over two years in Europe.



The San Polo plant employs 240 people and is located in the heart of Italy’s vital Prosecco wine-producing region in close proximity to both local and multinational customers.



ENDS



About O-I



Owens-Illinois, Inc. is the world's largest glass container manufacturer and preferred partner for many of the world's leading food and beverage brands. The Company had revenues of $7.0 billion in 2013 and employs approximately 22,500 people at 77 plants in 21 countries. With global headquarters in Perrysburg, Ohio, USA, O-I delivers safe, sustainable, pure, iconic, brand-building glass packaging to a growing global marketplace. For more information, visit www.o-i.com.



O-I's Glass Is Life(TM) movement promotes the widespread benefits of glass packaging in key markets around the globe. Join us in the #betteringlass conversation at www.glassislife.com.