Indian container glassmaker Piramal has temporarily suspended the services of 190 employees at its Flat River facility in Missouri, USA, after shutting down one tank. Reports suggested that the tank was closed due to slower sales, the weak economy and an inventory of stock. However, speaking to Glass International, Piramal's VP confirmed that the company has closed that tank as part of a planned relining and rebuilding project. The tank was scheduled for rebuild in December 2008. The Flat River plant houses two tanks and 8 automatic IS machines. It specialises in producing moulded glass containers. It is reported that employees may return to work February, once the tank has been rebuilt. The facility was purchased from The Glass Group in 2005. Meanwhile, Piramal Ceylon in Sri Lanka has reported losses as it grapples with high energy and raw material costs.
