O-I to Close Glass Container Plant in British Columbia

Owens-Illinois Inc., Perrysburg, Ohio, has announced that as a result of the ongoing review of its global manufacturing footprint, the company will close its glass container plant in Lavington, British Columbia, on October 31, 2008.

Existing production from the Lavington plant will be transferred to other O-I facilities.

“This closing was driven by our ongoing global asset utilization process, which identified the opportunity to shift our production to other O-I North American facilities, resulting in lower energy consumption and production costs while still meeting current and anticipated market needs,” says Scott Murchison, president, North America Glass Containers.

Approximately 300 employees will be affected. The company will provide assistance to help employees seeking new jobs.

With presence in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Latin America, O-I manufactures consumer-preferred, 100 percent recyclable glass containers. Established in 1903, the company employs more than 24,000 people with 82 manufacturing facilities in 22 countries.

More information is available at http://www.o-i.com.