Verallia France has completed the renovation and restart of furnace No. 2 at the Verrerie Ouvrière d'Albi glass facility.
The investment allows VOA to strengthen its regional presence and sustain its business serving the wine and spirits markets.
Built in 2017, furnace No. 2 was shut in July 2024 for a partial renovation midway through its operational life.
This renovation is part of a desire to maintain the furnace's performance and extend its lifespan by an additional seven years.
This operation thus improves energy efficiency and continues Verallia's commitment to a local and sustainable production model.
Fabien Cordier, Director of the Albi VOA, said the furnace had a daily production capacity of 315 tons, and produces Feuille Morte and Cinnamon coloured glass incorporating more than 90% recycled cullet.
“This renovation strengthens our ability to meet the expectations of our customers, both local and national."
Founded in 1896 with the support of Jean Jaurès, the VOA in Albi has been perpetuating exceptional glassmaking expertise for 127 years.
Equipped with two furnaces—one dedicated to extra white tinting, the other to cinnamon or dead leaf tinting—the glassworks has established itself in the production of high-end bottles and small and medium-sized production runs.
With 300 employees and 300 million bottles produced each year, the VOA actively contributes to local economic vitality and the influence of the French glass industry.
To meet the challenges of tomorrow while preserving its expertise, VOA will need to rely on public support to increase its electrical capacity and invest in low-carbon furnaces that use more electricity to reduce its environmental footprint.
