£9m investment will safeguard O-I jobs
Kevin McRoberts • Published 13 Oct 2010 09:30
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Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Engery and Tourism, visited the O-I glass works plant in Alloa to announce a £1.3 million Government grant for the company.
Picture: Jan van der Merwe
A £9 MILLION investment in Alloa’s glass works will increase the plant’s capacity and safeguard over 100 jobs.
O-I, who operates the facility, is investing in a new ‘green’ glass furnace, with the Scottish Government awarding a £1.3 million grant to support the company’s plans.
Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, announced the award on a visit to the Alloa plant last Wednesday.
The Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) award was made through Scottish Enterprise, which is working with international arm Scottish Development International (SDI) to attract investment in Scotland from overseas firms such as O-I.
Mr Mather said, “This investment is key to realising the ambitions of one of Clackmannanshire’s major employers and retaining a skilled workforce.
“I applaud the efforts of Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International in working with O-I.
“Projects of this nature have a substantial role to play in sustaining economic recovery and building Scotland’s economy for long-term success.”
The Government funding supports a total capital investment of nearly £9 million in a new furnace design, which will increase the plant’s capacity and improve its efficiency and operating cost base.
O-I Alloa employs over 450 people. It is the largest private employer in the area and is the leading supplier of glass packaging to the Scotch whisky industry.
Jorge Hernandez, O-I Europe’s manufacturing vice-president, said, “The investment forms part of our global drive for operational excellence.
“Modern furnace technology gives us lower energy use, lower CO2 emissions and higher productivity.
“This grant enables us to enhance our service to the Scotch whisky industry and develop products which meet fresh market demands, like the manufacture of lightweight bottles for the wine industry and non-alcoholic drinks.”
Anne MacColl, interim chief executive of SDI, said, “RSA funding is one of the key tools we can use to encourage both indigenous and foreign companies to invest in Scotland.
“We have worked closely with the management team at O-I to attract and secure this investment in new facilities at the Alloa plant.
“The company’s ongoing commitment to Scotland shows that the country continues to be an attractive location for international investors.”
MSP for Ochil, Keith Brown, joined Mr Mather on his visit to the glass works, and welcomed the announcement of the RSA award to support the investment at the Alloa plant.
Mr Brown said, “This is fantastic news not only for O-I but for Clackmannanshire as well.
“This investment by the Scottish Government not only safeguards 112 local jobs but also brings economic benefit of £22 million a year to the local economy.
“The O-I plant in Clackmannanshire is ideally situated to serve its customers - even more so with the recently improved road and rail links.
“This investment highlights their commitment to Scotland and Clackmannanshire.”
This article appeared in Alloa & Hillfoots Advertiser 13 Oct 10
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