BOWLING GREEN, KY., April 14, 2023 - O-I Glass, Inc., a leading global manufacturer of glass bottles, broke ground today on its first phase of a 160,000 SF facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, with further expansions planned. The company's decision to invest in this new facility will create up to 140 jobs and bring innovative glass manufacturing capabilities to the area with a planned capital investment of $240M.
“I want to congratulate leaders at O-I Glass as the company moves forward with this incredible project creating 140 full-time jobs in Warren County,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “I am proud the commonwealth will be home to this innovative facility that introduces new technology to increase speed and efficiency within the company’s manufacturing process. I look forward to a long and successful partnership between Kentucky and O-I Glass.”
Through the utilization of creativity and technology, O-I Glass has revolutionized the glassmaking industry by introducing pioneering innovations in the field. The company's founder, Michael J Owens, espoused the personal mantra "It can be done," which fostered a culture of transformation, innovation, and sustainability. Even over a century later, O-I Glass continues to honor his legacy by implementing forward-thinking and eco-friendly glassmaking practices.
The plant will be the first purpose-built facility for the company’s MAGMA technology, which is designed for flexible, modular glass production and can reduce the environmental footprint of glass production. Facilities powered by MAGMA technology will feature a smaller melter and constructed using more sustainable methods and materials.
“O-I’s proprietary MAGMA glass-making technology, and the new plant here in Bowling Green built around this technology, will transform the future of glass container production,” said Andres Lopez, CEO of O-I Glass. “This facility will showcase our next-generation capabilities, from a new modular batch system, the MAGMA melter, and new forming machines to sustainability advancements and the look and feel of the factory itself. Here, in Bowling Green, in proximity to the Bourbon Trail, this state-of-the-art facility will demonstrate the value of near-location and will be a key hub for future customer collaboration. It will also serve as a place where our investors, customers, and other stakeholders can explore and collaborate.”
"I am thrilled that O-I Glass has chosen to invest in our community and bring new jobs to the area," said Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman. "Their commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices and reducing their environmental impact is aligned with our values and priorities in Warren County. We look forward to successfully partnering with the company and welcoming them to our community."
“O-I Glass's investment in our community is a testament to the strength of our workforce and the pro-business environment we have worked hard to cultivate in Bowling Green," Mayor Todd Alcott continued. "We are proud to have O-I Glass as part of the business community and look forward to their continued success in our city.”
The plant is expected to feature the latest glass container manufacturing technology, enabling the company to produce a wide range of glass containers. Bowling Green is designated to serve the premium spirits category. O-I Glass is committed to using sustainable manufacturing practices and reducing its environmental footprint, and the new plant will be designed with these goals in mind.
"Atmos Energy is proud to partner with O-I Glass on their innovative and sustainable manufacturing facility by safely delivering reliable, affordable, efficient, and abundant natural gas," said Ryan Bates, Atmos Energy's senior industrial account manager. "With our shared vision for building sustainable communities, the Commonwealth's economy will grow with the addition of quality jobs created by their significant investment in Warren County. Atmos Energy is grateful for the work of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. Together we continue to strengthen Team Kentucky."
O-I Glass plans to begin construction on the new plant in the coming months, with production expected to start mid 2024.
"We are excited to welcome O-I Glass to Bowling Green," said Ron Bunch, CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. "We highly appreciate their decision to choose our community for this exceptional project and extend our immense gratitude to our numerous partners, including Atmos Energy, TVA, Warren County Water District, Warren RECC, and our Presidents Club investors, for enabling us to succeed in such endeavors.”
Year to date, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has announced two economic development projects in South Central Kentucky, totaling $11.4 million in capital investment creating 146 new jobs in the region. Bowling Green has also been recognized as one of the Top 6 Tier 2 Metros in the United States for its tenth consecutive year by Site Selection Magazine. The Chamber has also been awarded the Mac Conway Award by Site Selection Magazine which recognized the Chamber of Commerce as a Top 20 Economic Development Organization in the Country for the last two consecutive years.
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About O-I Glass:
At O-I Glass, Inc. (NYSE: OI), we love glass, and we are proud to be one of the leading producers of glass bottles and jars around the globe. Glass is not only beautiful, it is also pure and completely recyclable, making it the most sustainable rigid packaging material. Headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio (USA), O-I is the preferred partner for many of the world’s leading food and beverage brands. We innovate in line with customers’ needs to create iconic packaging that builds brands around the world. Led by our diverse team of more than 24,000 people across 69 plants in 19 countries, O-I achieved net sales of $6.94 billion in 2021.
About South Central Kentucky Economic Development:
South Central Kentucky Economic Development is an entity of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, a nationally ranked 5-Star Accredited Chamber. Located at the center of a 34-state distribution area in the eastern United States, South Central Kentucky is a prime location for manufacturing and distribution facilities. South Central Kentucky is within a day’s drive of 60% of the nation's population, personal income, and manufacturing business establishments. Bowling Green ranks second in the United States for best manufacturing city. The region has captured over four billion in capital investment in the past decade, creating thousands of jobs. To learn more, please visit https://www.southcentralky.com