O-I France launches ‘Fit to Win’ transformation to strengthen market position

FRANCE – O-I France, a leading glass bottle manufacturer, has launched a strategic transformation program dubbed ‘Fit to Win’ to enhance its operational agility and market competitiveness in response to evolving challenges in the glass packaging sector.

The initiative aims to address mounting pressure from a downturn in the wine industry, surplus production capacity, and rising competition.

Through this program, O-I France plans to improve the flexibility and responsiveness of its operations, ensuring its glass products remain both competitive and accessible in an increasingly demanding market.

As part of this transformation, O-I France has commenced a consultation process with employee representatives in both France and Europe.

These discussions centre on potential operational shifts at several key sites across the country as O-I France re-evaluates its footprint to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Among the proposals under review is the possible cessation of production at the Vayres plant, a move that would mark a significant change in the company’s manufacturing landscape.

The Vergèze plant is also facing potential closure, a step that would further consolidate operations in response to market pressures and overcapacity.

In addition, O-I France is exploring various operational adjustments at its Gironcourt, Puy-Guillaume, and Reims facilities, which may involve reconfiguring processes or reallocating resources to optimise performance.

The transformation initiative also includes a proposed reduction in administrative functions at the company’s French headquarters.

This measure is aimed at streamlining support operations to align more closely with the new strategic direction and evolving business needs.

If implemented, these changes could affect up to 320 positions, encompassing a mix of newly created and eliminated roles.

O-I France has emphasized its commitment to conducting the transition responsibly and in full consultation with employee bodies and authorities.

As part of its 2025 development strategy, the company is exploring substantial capital investments in its French operations to support its transformation.

This transformation in France is part of O-I Glass’s wider global sustainability push. Recently, the company completed a biofuel trial at its Harlow plant in the UK, replacing natural gas with biofuel and incorporating cullet preheating technologies.

The trial, conducted in collaboration with Glass Futures, demonstrated a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and aligned with the UK government’s Net Zero Innovation Portfolio.

According to Randy Burns, O-I’s Chief Administrative and Sustainability Officer, “Our participation in this program is a testament to our unwavering dedication to driving positive change in the industry.

“The success in Harlow shows that sustainable fuels are technically viable and can reshape glassmaking for a greener future.”

In a parallel development, O-I Glass is set to install Linde’s proprietary OPTIMELT thermochemical regenerator (TCR) at its Holzminden plant in Germany.

This innovation captures waste heat to preheat and reform natural gas, promising to cut fuel consumption and Scope 1 carbon emissions by roughly 30% compared to conventional systems.

These efforts highlight O-I’s broader ambition: to future-proof its operations while accelerating the decarbonization of the global glass industry.

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