O-I To Expand Glass

Owens-Illinois, Inc. announced a $47 million expansion at its glass manufacturing facility in Penrose, Auckland, New Zealand. The investment at Penrose will be spent on an additional energy-efficient furnace that will support the growing glass container market in New Zealand.
The new furnace, which will be in full operation by the second half of 2007, will increase the output of glass containers from the plant by 60%. At that time, locally manufactured glass packaging will replace imported glass from the Middle East and Asia.
“The expansion at Penrose allows the company to broaden its market base in the Asia Pacific region by providing the market more locally manufactured glass,” said Greg Ridder, president, O-I Asia Pacific. “Additionally, it is good for the community, as