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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

O-I Glass Plans Bowling Green, Kentucky, Bottle Plant

08/03/2022
Glass products manufacturer O-I Glass Inc. will establish a new bottle manufacturing facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The $239 million project is expected to create 140 jobs in Warren County.

The new location will provide the company with a significant increase in production capacity of glass bottles for a variety of consumer beverages with a focus on the premium spirits market. The operation will be the first of its kind to use a new technology, known as Modular Advanced Glass Manufacturing Asset (MAGMA), to increase overall speed and efficiency in the manufacturing process. Production is expected to begin in mid-2024.

“O-I is determined to be the most innovative, sustainable and chosen supplier of brand-building packaging solutions,” said Andres Lopez, CEO of O-I Glass. “The new plant is an important milestone as we continue the pursuit of our expansion plan in the United States and globally, building a bright future for the company and its stakeholders. Glass is more relevant than ever, and we’re proud to support our customers with innovative solutions.”

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $4 million in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of over $239.3 million and annual targets of: Creation and maintenance of 140 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 10 years and paying an average hourly wage of $43 including benefits across those jobs.

Additionally, KEDFA approved the company for up to $1 million in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

“We are continuing to attract new employers that are focused on longevity, sustainability and creating quality jobs for Kentuckians,” Governor Andy Beshear said. “O-I Glass is doing all that and more. This new facility in Warren County will create great job opportunities for our residents and bring innovative new technology to Kentucky’s manufacturing sector. Thank you to the leaders at O-I Glass for selecting the commonwealth for this significant investment. I look forward to a long, successful partnership between the company and our state.”

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments. In addition, O-I Glass can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers.

“O-I Glass is a world leader in its field and will bring transformational technology to the sector through their Bowling Green operation,” added Ron Bunch, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce. “We deeply value their selection of our community for this amazing project and share our great appreciation to our many partners who make winning projects like this possible: Atmos Energy, TVA, Warren County Water District, Warren RECC, as well as our Presidents Club investors.”

O-I Glass, Inc. specializes in container glass products. The company is one of the world's leading manufacturers of packaging products, holding the position of largest manufacturer of glass containers in North America, South America, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

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