PERRYSBURG, Ohio, Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As a result of the company's ongoing review of its global manufacturing footprint, Owens-Illinois, Inc., has concluded a process of consultation with local union representatives and has closed its glass container plant in Karhula, Finland. Production has been transferred to other O-I facilities.
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The Karhula plant is one of two European facilities O-I identified for closure in the second quarter. Consultation with local union representatives continues regarding the second European facility. An announcement is expected later this year.
"Our ongoing global asset utilization process identified the opportunity to shift production to other European facilities. The result will be lower energy consumption and production costs, while still allowing us to meet current and anticipated market needs," said Rich Crawford, president of O-I Global Glass Operations.
O-I is helping the approximately 100 affected employees explore other employment opportunities, including positions within the company.
About O-I
Millions of times a day, O-I glass containers deliver many of the world's best-known consumer products to people all around the world. With the leading position in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Latin America, O-I manufactures consumer-preferred, 100 percent recyclable glass containers that enable superior taste, purity, visual appeal and value benefits for our customers' products. Established in 1903, the company employs more than 23,000 people with 79 manufacturing facilities in 21 countries. In 2008, net sales were $7.9 billion. For more information, visit http://www.o-i.com/.
Owens-Illinois, Inc.
CONTACT: Stephanie Johnston, O-I Corporate Communications,
+1-567-336-7199, stephanie.johnston@o-i.com
Web Site: http://www.o-i.com/
