O-I receives £1.3 million RSA grant from Scottish Government

The Scottish Government has awarded a £1.3 million grant to glassmaker O-I to support investment in a new green glass furnace at the company’s Alloa plant. The award was announced by Jim Mather, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, on a visit to Alloa today [6 October 2010]. The Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) award was made through Scottish Enterprise, which is working with international arm Scottish Development International to attract investment in Scotland from overseas firms such as O-I. The 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. Enterprise Minister Jim 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.” Jorge Hernandez, Manufacturing Vice-President, O-I Europe, says, “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, and is part of the wider package of business support available from Scottish Enterprise. “We have worked closely with the management team at O-I to attract and secure this investment in new facilities at O-I’s Alloa plant and the company’s ongoing commitment to Scotland shows that the country continues to be an attractive location for international investors.” ENDS

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