TURKEY – Şişecam has finalized the US$174 million expansion of its glass production complex in Eskişehir by commissioning a new glass packaging furnace.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for the Turkish glass manufacturing giant, positioning its Eskişehir site as the largest glass production facility globally.
In addition to the new glass packaging furnace, Şişecam has also brought its glassware furnace into operation after undergoing cold repair as part of the expansion project.
These investments have substantially increased the production capacity of the Eskişehir complex for both glass packaging and glassware, now totaling around one million tons.
Initially investing approximately US$145 million for the glass packaging furnace, Şişecam has created an additional 127 roles to support the expanded operations.
With a yearly gross capacity of 198,000 tonnes, the new furnace will cater to the growing demand for bottles and jars across various sectors served by the company.
The Şişecam Eskişehir Glass Packaging Factory now boasts five furnaces and 24 lines, boasting an aggregate production capacity of approximately 760,000 gross tonnes annually.
Görkem Elverici, CEO of Şişecam, emphasized that these investments signify more than just advancements in glass packaging.
The cold repair of the second furnace at the Eskişehir Glassware Production Facility, undertaken with an investment of around US$29 million, has substantially enhanced capacity, solidifying Şişecam’s position as a global leader in glassware production.
The updated furnace, with an annual gross capacity of 64 thousand tonnes, will also create 246 new jobs, further bolstering the company’s workforce.
Consequently, the glassware production capacity in Eskişehir has surged to approximately 190 thousand gross tons annually.
Şişecam, known for its diverse portfolio including flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, and glass fiber, operates across multiple countries including Germany, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, and the US, among others.
With a workforce exceeding 25,000 and a sales network spanning over 150 countries, Şişecam remains a significant player in the global glass industry.
In line with its commitment to innovation and meeting market demands, Şişecam recently announced plans to invest US$114 million in three new coated glass lines in Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria.
These cutting-edge lines, with a total capacity of nearly 20 million square meters, aim to address the increasing demand for coated glass within the flat glass sector, further enhancing Şişecam’s competitiveness and product diversity.
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
