O-I Glass Inc. will invest $239 million toward a new glass bottle manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky creating 140 high-wage jobs for Kentucky residents.
“We are continuing to attract new employers that are focused on longevity, sustainability and creating quality jobs for Kentuckians,” Gov. Beshear said. “O-I Glass is doing all that and more. This new facility in Warren County will create great job opportunities for our residents and bring innovative new technology to Kentucky’s manufacturing sector. Thank you to the leaders at O-I Glass for selecting the commonwealth for this significant investment. I look forward to a long, successful partnership between the company and our state.”
The new location will provide the company with a significant increase in production capacity of glass bottles for a variety of consumer beverages with a focus on the premium spirits market. The project will be the first of its kind to use a new technology, known as Modular Advanced Glass Manufacturing Asset (MAGMA), to increase overall speed and efficiency in the manufacturing process. The Warren County operation will include renewable electricity, gas-oxy fuel and other innovative technology and processes. Production is expected to begin in mid-2024.
“O-I is determined to be the most innovative, sustainable and chosen supplier of brand-building packaging solutions,” said Andres Lopez, CEO of O-I Glass. “The new plant is an important milestone as we continue the pursuit of our expansion plan in the United States and globally, building a bright future for the company and its stakeholders. Glass is more relevant than ever, and we’re proud to support our customers with innovative solutions.”
O-I Glass is a Fortune 500 company that has specialized in the manufacture of glass products for nearly 120 years. The company operates globally with approximately 24,000 employees worldwide. O-I’s MAGMA technology reimagines the glassmaking process with a flexible, modular, standardized glass production line.
The new O-I Glass production facility builds on Kentucky’s extensive manufacturing presence, which includes nearly 5,000 facilities that employ approximately 250,000 people across the state.
Warren County Judge/Executive Mike Buchanon noted the many advantages for a new company locating in Bowling Green.
“For a company with a national and international footprint, Warren County offers tremendous advantages. Our workforce is diverse, with over 85 languages spoken here,” Judge Buchanon said. “When combined with our central location and superior transportation accessibility, our community continues to succeed as a top choice for companies like O-I Glass.”
Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott said the company is a great addition for Southcentral Kentucky.
“O-I has a reputation for excellence that has led to jobs for over 24,000 employees in 19 different countries. We are thrilled that they have chosen to grow and invest in Bowling Green,” Mayor Alcott said.
Ron Bunch, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke on the partnerships needed to make the project possible.
“O-I Glass is a world leader in its field and will bring transformational technology to the sector through their Bowling Green operation,” Bunch said. “We deeply value their selection of our community for this amazing project and share our great appreciation to our many partners who make winning projects like this possible: Atmos Energy, TVA, Warren County Water District, Warren RECC, as well as our Presidents Club investors.”
John Bradley, senior vice president of economic development with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), welcomed the company to Kentucky.
“TVA and Warren RECC congratulate O-I Glass on its decision to establish operations and create new job opportunities in Bowling Green,” Bradley said. “TVA is proud to partner with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development to support new job creation and investment in the region and look forward to O-I Glass’ business success in the commonwealth.”
Dewayne McDonald, president and CEO of Warren RECC, anticipates continued growth for O-I Glass as the company locates in Warren County.
“We are excited to welcome O-I Glass as a new Warren RECC member,” McDonald said. “We look forward to working with them as they grow their world-class business right here in Warren County.”
O-I Glass’ investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.
For more information on O-I Glass, visit O-I.com.
A detailed community profile for Warren County can be viewed here.