O-I Glass breaks ground on Kentucky manufacturing site

O-I Glass has broken ground on its greenfield glass production plant in Bowling Green, KY, USA.

The facility is the first O-I purpose-built facility to use the company’s MAGMA technology.

The groundbreaking event, attended by O-I CEO, Andres Lopez, KY Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, and a host of company and regional dignitaries, marked the beginning of a multi-phase investment of up to $240 million to enable the development of the MAGMA technology.

Mr Lopez said the new technology and new Bowling Green plant will help the company transform the future of glass container production.

“This facility will showcase our next-generation capabilities, from a new modular batch system, the MAGMA melter, and new forming machines to sustainability advancements and the look and feel of the factory itself.

“Here, in Bowling Green, in proximity to the Bourbon Trail, this facility will demonstrate the value of near-location and will be a key hub for future customer collaboration. It will also serve as place where our investors, customers, and other stakeholders can explore and collaborate.”

MAGMA technology is designed for flexible, modular glass production and can reduce the environmental footprint of glass production. Facilities built for MAGMA will feature a smaller melter and be constructed using more sustainable methods and materials.

MAGMA technology will enable advanced technologies, including light-weighting potential, on-off capability, and can include feed-forward and feed-back control loops to promote premium quality glass.

The proximity to key customers, for O-I, will reduce logistics and enhance the company’s customer service, flexibility, and sustainability.

The first phase of construction for this facility is expected to be complete in mid-2024 and could grow to include two additional production lines and up to 140 new jobs in the state and region.