Glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois will invest $20 million to upgrade equipment at its manufacturing facility in Toano, Virginia, according to the Virginia governor's office. The improvements, which will enhance the plant's energy efficiencies and technological capabilities, are scheduled to take place over the next 12 to 24 months. The company has 180 employees at the facility. "We want to thank the Commonwealth of Virginia and James City County's economic development team for their assistance," says Charles Cochrane, plant manager. "Their combined support and our positive experience in Virginia will help us keep our Toano plant one of O-I's more cost-efficient facilities. These investments also will help us to be more competitive." The governor's office says the state will provide funding to retrain employees on the new equipment, but did not specify a dollar amount.
