The investments have raised the production capacity of the glass production facility to around 1 million tons, making it the world's biggest glass production site
Şişecam expands capacity of glass production complex in Eskişehir. (Credit: Şişecam)
Şişecam has completed the $174m expansion of its glass production complex in Eskişehir, Turkey by firing a new glass packaging furnace.
As part of the expansion project, the Turkish glass manufacturing company also placed its glassware furnace into operation following cold repair.
According to Şişecam, the investments have increased the production capacity of the Eskişehir complex for glass packaging and glassware to around one million tons. This is said to make it the biggest glass production site in the world.
Initially, the Turkish firm invested approximately $145m for the glass packaging furnace. This will provide an additional 127 roles.
The glass packaging furnace has a yearly gross capacity of 198,000 tons. It will produce bottles and jars to meet the growing demand and support the sectors the company serves.
The Şişecam Eskişehir Glass Packaging Factory now has five furnaces and 24 lines with an aggregate production capacity of around 760,000 gross tons per year.
Şişecam CEO Görkem Elverici said: “Our investments in Eskişehir are not just about glass packaging. The cold repair of our second furnace at the Eskişehir Glassware Production Facility, completed with an investment of around $29m, has significantly enhanced our capacity, establishing Şişecam as a global leader in glassware production.
“The updated furnace, with an annual gross capacity of 64 thousand tons, will also create 246 new jobs. Consequently, our glassware production capacity in Eskişehir has reached approximately 190 thousand gross tons annually.”
Şişecam produces flat glass, glassware, glass packaging, and glass fibre.
Along with Turkey, the glass manufacturing company has facilities in Germany, Italy, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Egypt, India, and the US.
Furthermore, the company has a workforce of over 25,000 and a sales network of more than 150 countries.
Last month, Şişecam unveiled plans to inject $114m into three new coated glass lines in Turkey, Italy, and Bulgaria.