O-I is investing more than €50m in the modernisation of its Reims plant (France). With all-new high-tech equipment, a new overall layout, and additional technical innovations, the plant will increase flexibility, capabilities, and energy efficiency. The project includes a complete renewal of one of the plant's two furnaces as well as all-new industrial equipment on the attached production lines. The upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-2019. "This is a strategic investment to strengthen our position in the Champagne business," said Francois Pierrot, Country Group Executive 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. 30 new employees are expected to be hired too, joining over 200 employees already working at the plant.
