Glass facility to result in 140 jobs in Bowling Green

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that O-I Glass Inc. will invest $239 million in a new glass bottle manufacturing facility in Bowling Green.

According to a release by Beshear’s office, the facility will bring 140 high-wage jobs to the area.

“We are continuing to attract new employers that are focused on longevity, sustainability and creating quality jobs for Kentuckians,” said Beshear. “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.”

The new location will largely increase the company’s production capacity of glass bottles for a variety of consumer beverages focusing on the premium spirits market, stated the release. Beshear’s office said the project will be the first of its kind to use a new technology, known as Modular Advanced Glass Manufacturing Asset, to increase overall speed and efficiency in the manufacturing process. The Warren County operation will include renewable electricity, gas-oxy fuel and other innovative technology and processes.

The governor’s office stated 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.”

O-I Glass is a Fortune 500 company that has specialized in the manufacture of glass products for nearly 120 years, according to the release. Beshear’s office stated O-I’s MAGMA technology reimagines the glassmaking process with a flexible, modular, standardized glass production line.

Bowling Green Mayor Todd Alcott said the company is a great addition for Southcentral Kentucky, stated the release.

“O-I has a reputation for excellence that has led to jobs for over 24,000 employees in 19 different countries. We are thrilled that they have chosen to grow and invest in Bowling Green,” said Alcott.

In addition, Beshear’s office stated the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority 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
• 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, according to the release. 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.

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. Beshear’s office stated the company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability or wage assessments.

The release further stated O-I Glass can benefit from resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers, including no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

For more information on O-I Glass, visit O-I.com.

A detailed community profile for Warren County can be viewed here.