Owens-Illinois To Break Ground June 9 On Glass Manufacturing Plant In Colorado

Owens-Illinois To Break Ground June 9 On Glass Manufacturing
Plant In Colorado
New Facility will Create Jobs, Lead Advancements in Glass 


TOLEDO, Ohio, June 9  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Owens-Illinois, Inc (NYSE: OI),
one of the world's leading manufacturers of glass and plastics packaging
products, announces the ground breaking of its new state-of-the-art glass
container manufacturing plant in Weld County, Colo.

The new facility will be among the highest output glass container plants in the
United States producing over one billion bottles annually.  Serving as the
primary supplier to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in Fort Collins, Colo., the
plant will employ about 150 people when it opens in the summer of 2005.  It is
the company's first new facility in the U.S. since 1980 and the industry's
first new glass manufacturing plant since 1982.

"This week's ground-breaking represents the economic growth that is taking
place throughout the United States," said U.S. Commerce Secretary Donald L.
Evans.  "We commend you on the construction of your new facility that will
manufacture goods made by hard-working Americans, which will then be exported
around the globe."

"The creation of the Owens-Illinois facility is symbolic of the growth we've
recently witnessed in our economy, specifically in the manufacturing sector,"
said Colo. Governor Bill Owens. "We are thrilled to have Owens-Illinois and the
state of Colorado pave the way for future growth and a hope for a sustained
turnaround in the job market."

The new Owens-Illinois facility is a significant economic investment to
Colorado's economy. Over a ten-year period the plant expects to bring $461
million to the state of Colorado and will generate more than $159 million in
Weld County alone.

"The ground breaking of this new plant marks a pivotal time for Owens-Illinois
because it reinforces our strength and vitality in the marketplace as we
transform ourselves to a more customer-centric global enterprise," said Steve
McCracken, Owens-Illinois chairman and chief executive officer.

McCracken, Colorado Gov. Bill Owens and other state, regional and local
dignitaries will address the public during the ceremony that begins at 11 a.m.
MT.  An unveiling of the architects' rendering of the new plant, as well as a
ceremonial tree planting, also will occur.

"O-I's new high-productivity facility will provide substantial economic
benefits to the area, especially to new and existing businesses that will
support the plant's operations and will further allow consumers to enjoy the
great taste of food and beverages that glass enables," continued McCracken.

O-I first announced plans for a new plant in February 2003. The Weld County
site, located about 60 miles north of Denver, was chosen in September 2003
after evaluating several locations in Northeast Colorado and Southeast Wyoming.
The site was ultimately selected for its location to O-I's existing customer
base, as well as its accessibility to natural gas, electricity, and
transportation.

About Owens-Illinois

Owens-Illinois, Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers of glass and
plastics packaging products, with operations in North America, South America,
Europe, Australia, and Asia. With more than 140 manufacturing plants on five
continents, O-I provides low-cost, high-quality packaging for some of the
world's most respected brands in such industries as food, beverage, beer,
health care, household, personal care, wine and liquor, pharmaceutical and
chemical products.

A company dedicated to the growth of U.S. manufacturing jobs, Owens-Illinois
contributes over $1 billion annually to national, state and local economies
through its purchases of goods and services from U.S. businesses. With annual
revenues over $6 billion, Owens-Illinois is a member of the Fortune 500 and
Forbes 500 rankings of America's largest corporations. Owens-Illinois stock
(symbol "OI") is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. 

DATASOURCE: Owens-Illinois, Inc.



CONTACT:  Sara Theis, Corporate Communications of Owens Illinois,

[phone], or Lisa Wilkins, Account Supervisor of Ketchum for

Owens-Illinois, [phone]

Copyright