Owens-Illinois Container Sales Up

Owens-Illinois reports that its worldwide unit shipments both glass and plastics grew by more than 6% during second quarter 2002. Compared year-on-year, the glass containers segment reported second quarter net sales of $1,026M in 2002 vs $899.7M in 2001. Improved business fundamentals, lower energy costs, the incremental benefit of the Canadian glass container acquisition, favourable foreign currency translation rates and lower interest expense have all contributed to improved operating results. (whole item)