O-I plans to spend $47M to expand its glass plant in Auckland in new Zealand. The glassmaker plans to invest in an additional furnace to meet growing demand for wine bottles, a move that should increase output at the plant by 60%. Locally manufactured bottles are expected to replace products currently imported from the Middle East and Asia. The new furnace is expected to begin production in late 2007. "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 G Ridder, president of O-I Asia Pacific. "Additionally, its good for the community as O-I will be using a significant amount of recycled glass currently in the waste stream for use in glass production." The plant was established in 1922. It currently operates 2 furnaces, employing 86 people.
