More than €50 million is being invested by Owens-Illinois to modernise its Reims glass container plant in France. "This is a strategic investment to strengthen our position in the Champagne business" commented Francois Pierrot, Country Group Executive, Southwest Europe, for O-I. "We will be able to serve our customers in the premium segment even better, with improved flexibility at the plant and within O-I's overall manufacturing network in France."

Via the installation of high-tech equipment, a revised overall layout and additional technical innovations, the plant will increase flexibility, capabilities and energy efficiency. Planned for completion by mid-2019, the project includes a complete renewal of one of the plant's two furnaces, together with equipment investments throughout the associated production lines.

On top of the financial investment, O-I will hire approximately 30 additional employees in Reims to further strengthen the plant’s capability. Following extensive training, they will join the more than 200 employees already working at the plant in such disciplines as production, supply and procurement and maintenance.

"This €50 million project is a major long-term commitment to the Reims area” said Dallah Mekki, Plant Manager. “It represents one of the biggest investments in the region during the last few years, further bolstering O-I's reputation as a strong player in the region and making the plant an even more attractive employer."

The Reims factory is located at the heart of the Champagne vineyards, minimising delivery routes and time to wineries. Premium wine customers are also served in other regions of France such as Burgundy, Alsace and the Loire Valley. The plant has a highly diverse customer base, serving more than a thousand customers in France. When the upgrade is completed, the factory will be able to produce bottles in three colours and in a full range from 0.2 litre to magnum-size.