The Scottish government has awarded a £1.3 million grant to container glassmaker Owens-Illinois (O-I) to support investment in a new green glass furnace at the company’s plant in Alloa, Scotland. The decision was announced by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, on a visit to Alloa in October 2010.
The Regional Selective Award (RSA) was made through Scottish Enterprise, which is working with international arm Scottish Development Interna-tional to attract investment in Scotland from overseas companies such as O-I.
The funding supports a total capital investment of almost £9 million in a new furnace design, which will increase the plant’s capacity and improve its efficiency and operating cost base.
O-I?Alloa employs more than 450 people, representing the largest private employer in the area. It is also said to be the leading supplier of glass packaging to the Scottish whisky industry.
“This investment is key to realising the ambitions of one of Clackmannanshire’s ma-jor employers and retaining a skilled workforce,” said Mr Mather. “I applaud the efforts of Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development Interna-tional in working with O-I. Projects of this nature have a substantial role to play in sustaining economic recovery and building Scotland’s economy for long-term success,” he added.
Jorge Hernandez, Manufacturing Vice President of O-I?Europe, said: “The investment forms part of our global drive for operational excellence. Modern furnace technology gives us lower energy use, lower CO2 emissions and higher productivity.
“This grant enables us to enhance our service to the Scotch whisky industry and develop products which meet fresh market demands, like the manufacture of lightweight bottles for the wine industry and non-alcoholic drinks.”
