Owens-Illinois (O-I) has completed renovation work on its San Polo plant in Italy, spending a total of €55m over the past four years. The San Polo site is located in the heart of the Prosecco region, however the investments have been made to better support the Italian beer and non-alcoholic beverage markets. O-I has invested €40 million in a new furnace, four production lines, and inspection equipment. This is on top of a €15 million investment in 2011, to upgrade a furnace and production lines. The recent expansion has created 30 new jobs at the site. "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. The improved production facilities in San Polo incorporate sustainability technologies that result in a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions. The plant can use up to 90% recycled glass in the production process, and offers increased capabilities to produce lightweight containers. Over the next several years, O-I is set to invest 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 the past two years in Europe.
